J-S67040-17
NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF : PENNSYLVANIA Appellee : : v. : : OWEN CORTEZ : : Appellant : No. 2650 EDA 2016
Appeal from the Judgment of Sentence February 22, 2016 In the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County Criminal Division at No(s): CP-51-CR-0002426-2012
BEFORE: GANTMAN, P.J., MUSMANNO, J., and STEVENS*, P.J.E.
MEMORANDUM BY GANTMAN, P.J.: FILED NOVEMBER 28, 2017
Appellant, Owen Cortez, appeals from the judgment of sentence
entered in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, following his jury
trial convictions of attempted murder, criminal conspiracy, aggravated
assault, burglary, persons not to possess firearms, firearms not to be carried
without a license, carrying firearms on public streets or public property in
Philadelphia, and possessing instruments of crime (“PIC”).1 We affirm.
The relevant facts and procedural history of this case are as follows.
On January 11, 2011, Appellant and two men went to Victim’s house. When
Victim opened the door, the men pushed their way inside and proceeded to
____________________________________________
1 18 Pa.C.S.A. 901(a), 903, 2702(a), 3502(a), 6105(a)(1), 6106(a)(1), 6108, and 907(a), respectively.
____________________________________ * Former Justice specially assigned to the Superior Court. J-S67040-17
demand money from Victim at gunpoint. Victim was shot in the back during
the altercation. Victim’s injuries required multiple surgeries and resulted in
the removal of part of Victim’s lung and Victim’s spleen. Based on Victim’s
statements, police identified Appellant as one of the perpetrators of the
crimes.
On March 9, 2012, the Commonwealth charged Appellant with
attempted murder, criminal conspiracy, aggravated assault, burglary,
persons not to possess firearms, firearms not to be carried without a license,
carrying firearms on public streets or public property in Philadelphia, PIC,
simple assault, recklessly endangering another person (“REAP”), and
criminal trespass. Appellant proceeded to a jury trial in September 2014.
On September 22, 2014, the court declared a mistrial after the jury was
unable to reach a unanimous verdict. Appellant proceeded to a second jury
trial on October 1, 2015. On October 6, 2015, the jury convicted Appellant
of attempted murder, criminal conspiracy, aggravated assault, burglary,
persons not to possess firearms, firearms not to be carried without a license,
carrying firearms on public streets or public property in Philadelphia, and
PIC. The court deferred sentencing pending the preparation of a pre-
sentence investigation (“PSI”) report.
The court sentenced Appellant on February 22, 2016, to a term of
sixteen (16) to thirty-two (32) years’ imprisonment for the attempted
murder conviction, a concurrent term of sixteen (16) to thirty-two (32)
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years’ imprisonment for the criminal conspiracy conviction, a concurrent
term of ten (10) to twenty (20) years’ imprisonment for the burglary
conviction, a consecutive term of two (2) to eight (8) years’ imprisonment
for the persons not to possess firearms conviction, a concurrent term of two
(2) to seven (7) years’ imprisonment for the firearms not to be carried
without a license conviction, a concurrent term of one (1) to two (2) years’
imprisonment for the carrying firearms on public streets or public property in
Philadelphia conviction, and a concurrent term of (1) to (2) years’
imprisonment for the PIC conviction; thus, Appellant received an aggregate
term of eighteen (18) to forty (40) years’ imprisonment. Appellant timely
filed post-sentence motions on February 29, 2016, which were denied by
operation of law on June 30, 2016. Appellant timely filed a notice of appeal
on July 29, 2016. On October 13, 2016, the court ordered Appellant to file a
concise statement of errors complained of on appeal pursuant to Pa.R.A.P.
1925(b), and Appellant timely complied on October 20, 2016.
Appellant raises the following issues for our review:
WAS THE EVIDENCE INSUFFICIENT TO SUSTAIN THE GUILTY VERDICTS?
WERE THE VERDICTS AGAINST THE WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE?
DID THE TRIAL COURT ERR IN ALLOWING INTO EVIDENCE IRRELEVANT AND OVERLY PREJUDICIAL EVIDENCE OF ALLEGED INTIMIDATION AND AN ASSAULT ON [VICTIM] THAT WAS NOT COMMITTED BY APPELLANT?
DID THE [TRIAL] COURT ABUSE ITS DISCRETION BY
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FASHIONING A SENTENCE THAT EXCEEDED THAT WHICH IS NECESSARY TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC, FAILED TO PROPERLY CONSIDER APPELLANT’S FAMILIAL SUPPORT, YOUTH AND BEING A FATHER OF A YOUNG CHILD, AND WHERE…APPELLANT’S SENTENCE WAS DISPARATELY GREATER THAN A CO-DEFENDANT’S SENTENCE?
(Appellant’s Brief at 7 and 19).
After a thorough review of the record, the briefs of the parties, the
applicable law, and the well-reasoned opinion of the Honorable Diana L.
Anhalt, we conclude Appellant’s first, second, and third issues on appeal
merit no relief. The trial court opinion comprehensively discusses and
properly disposes of the questions presented. (See Trial Court Opinion, filed
May 23, 2017, at 4-17) (finding: (1) with respect to Appellant’s conviction
of conspiracy to commit murder, Appellant, armed with handgun, went to
Victim’s home with two co-conspirators; when Victim answered door,
Appellant pointed gun at Victim and demanded money; although one of
Appellant’s co-conspirators actually fired shot that wounded Victim, there
was sufficient evidence for jury to infer conspiracy because Appellant and his
co-conspirators arrived together, committed crimes together, and left
together; thus, evidence was sufficient to sustain conviction of conspiracy to
commit murder; with respect to Appellant’s conviction of attempted murder,
one of Appellant’s co-conspirators shot Victim in his back; Victim’s injuries
required multiple surgeries, removal of Victim’s spleen and part of his lung,
and placement of stent in Victim’s kidney; although Appellant did not fire
bullet that hit vital part of Victim’s body, shooting was done in furtherance of
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crimes against Victim; thus, Appellant is liable for shooting, and sufficient
evidence existed to sustain Appellant’s conviction of attempted murder; with
respect to Appellant’s aggravated assault conviction, aggravated assault is
lesser included offense of attempted murder; thus, sufficient evidence
existed to sustain Appellant’s conviction of aggravated assault; with respect
to Appellant burglary conviction, Appellant and his co-conspirators forced
their way into Victim’s home while Victim was present; once inside home,
Appellant pointed gun at Victim, grabbed Victim by his shirt, and demanded
money; Appellant took $300.00 from Victim’s person; thus, there was
sufficient evidence to sustain Appellant’s conviction of burglary; with respect
to Appellant’s convictions of persons not to possess firearms, firearms not to
be carried without a license, and carrying firearms on public streets or public
property in Philadelphia, witness testimony established that Appellant
possessed firearm in public in Philadelphia; Commonwealth also presented
certificate of non-licensure, which demonstrated that Appellant did not have
license to carry firearm on date of incident; Commonwealth further
presented evidence of Appellant’s prior robbery conviction, which prohibited
Appellant from possession of firearm; thus, sufficient evidence existed to
sustain Appellant’s convictions of Sections 6105(a)(1), 6106(a)(1), and
6108; with respect to Appellant’s conviction of PIC, trial testimony
established that Appellant brandished and pointed firearm at Victim; thus,
sufficient evidence existed to sustain Appellant’s conviction of PIC; (2)
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Victim provided consistent statements to detectives, at his lineup
identification of Appellant, and during preliminary hearing; jury was free to
believe these consistent statements and discredit Victim’s trial testimony in
which Victim stated he did not remember giving any of his prior statements;
thus, verdict was not against weight of evidence; (3) evidence of alleged
intimidation and assault against Victim while Victim was incarcerated was
relevant to explain Victim’s behavior at trial; court admitted this evidence for
specific purpose and issued limiting jury instruction; instruction informed
jury to consider this evidence solely for its effect on Victim and not for truth
of matter asserted; thus, court properly admitted evidence of alleged
intimidation and assault of Victim). With respect to Appellant’s first, second,
and third issues on appeal, we affirm based on the trial court’s opinion.
In his fourth issue, Appellant argues the court failed to consider certain
mitigating factors when it imposed Appellant’s sentence. Appellant
specifically contends the court failed to consider Appellant’s potential for
rehabilitation, Appellant’s rehabilitative needs, the fact that Appellant is a
young man with substantial family support, and the fact that Appellant is a
father to a young child. Appellant further avers the court did not provide
sufficient reasons to justify the imposition of a sentence, which is disparately
greater than the sentence of one of Appellant’s co-conspirators. Appellant
concludes his sentence of eighteen to forty years’ imprisonment is excessive,
and this Court should vacate and remand for resentencing. As presented,
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Appellant challenges the discretionary aspects of his sentence. See
Commonwealth v. Lutes, 793 A.2d 949 (Pa.Super. 2002) (stating claim
that sentence is manifestly excessive challenges discretionary aspects of
sentencing).
Challenges to the discretionary aspects of sentencing do not entitle an
appellant to an appeal as of right. Commonwealth v. Sierra, 752 A.2d
910, 912 (Pa.Super. 2000). Prior to reaching the merits of a discretionary
aspect of sentencing issue:
We conduct a four-part analysis to determine: (1) whether appellant has filed a timely notice of appeal, see Pa.R.A.P. 902 and 903; (2) whether the issue was properly preserved at sentencing or in a motion to reconsider and modify sentence, see Pa.R.Crim.P. 720; (3) whether appellant’s brief has a fatal defect, Pa.R.A.P. 2119(f); and (4) whether there is a substantial question that the sentence appealed from is not appropriate under the Sentencing Code, 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 9781(b).
Commonwealth v. Griffin, 65 A.3d 932, 935 (Pa.Super. 2013), appeal
denied, 621 Pa. 682, 76 A.3d 538 (2013) (quoting Commonwealth v.
Evans, 901 A.2d 528, 533 (Pa.Super. 2006), appeal denied, 589 Pa. 727,
909 A.2d 303 (2006)). Generally, objections to the discretionary aspects of
a sentence are waived if they are not raised at the sentencing hearing or
raised in a motion to modify the sentence imposed at that hearing.
Commonwealth v. Mann, 820 A.2d 788, 794 (Pa.Super. 2003), appeal
denied, 574 Pa. 759, 831 A.2d 599 (2003).
When appealing the discretionary aspects of a sentence, an appellant
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must also invoke the appellate court’s jurisdiction by including in his brief a
separate concise statement demonstrating that there is a substantial
question as to the appropriateness of the sentence under the Sentencing
Code. Commonwealth v. Mouzon, 571 Pa. 419, 425-26, 812 A.2d 617,
621-22 (2002); Pa.R.A.P. 2119(f). “The requirement that an appellant
separately set forth the reasons relied upon for allowance of appeal ‘furthers
the purpose evident in the Sentencing Code as a whole of limiting any
challenges to the trial court’s evaluation of the multitude of factors impinging
on the sentencing decision to exceptional cases.’” Commonwealth v.
Phillips, 946 A.2d 103, 112 (Pa.Super. 2008), appeal denied, 600 Pa. 745,
964 A.2d 895 (2009), cert. denied, 556 U.S. 1264, 129 S.Ct. 2450, 174
L.Ed.2d 240 (2009) (quoting Commonwealth v. Williams, 562 A.2d 1385,
1387 (Pa.Super. 1989) (en banc) (emphasis in original)). “The
determination of what constitutes a substantial question must be evaluated
on a case-by-case basis.” Commonwealth v. Anderson, 830 A.2d 1013,
1018 (Pa.Super. 2003). A substantial question exists “only when the
appellant advances a colorable argument that the sentencing judge’s actions
were either: (1) inconsistent with a specific provision of the Sentencing
Code; or (2) contrary to the fundamental norms which underlie the
sentencing process.” Sierra, supra at 913 (quoting Commonwealth v.
Brown, 741 A.2d 726, 735 (Pa.Super. 1999) (en banc), appeal denied, 567
Pa. 755, 790 A.2d 1013 (2001)). Significantly, an allegation that the
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sentencing court failed to consider certain mitigating factors, absent more,
does not raise a substantial question for our review. Commonwealth v.
Rhoades, 8 A.3d 912, 918-19 (Pa.Super. 2010), appeal denied, 611 Pa.
651, 25 A.3d 328 (2011), cert. denied, 565 U.S. 1263, 132 S.Ct. 1746, 182
L.Ed.2d 536 (2012).
Here, Appellant failed to raise his disparate sentencing claim in his
post-sentence motion. As such, Appellant waived it for purposes of our
review. See Mann, supra. With respect to Appellant’s claim that the court
failed to consider certain mitigating factors, Appellant properly preserved
this claim in his post-sentence motion, Rule 1925(b) statement, and
appellate brief. Nevertheless, Appellant’s bald assertion does not raise a
substantial question warranting our review. See Rhoades, supra.
In any event, the court had the benefit of a PSI report at sentencing.
Therefore, we can presume it considered the relevant factors when it
sentenced Appellant. See Commonwealth v. Tirado, 870 A.2d 362, 368
(Pa.Super. 2005) (holding where sentencing court had benefit of PSI, law
presumes court was aware of and weighed relevant information regarding
defendant’s character and mitigating factors). Additionally, the court
explained its reasons for Appellant’s sentence as follows:
Here, this [c]ourt sentenced…Appellant to 18 to 40 years[’] incarceration. Appellant has a prior record score (“PRS”) of 4. Appellant’s attempted murder conviction carries an offense gravity score (“OGS”) of 14. The deadly weapon enhancement sentence matrix guideline is 117-240 months of incarceration plus or minus 12 months. This
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[c]ourt sentenced Appellant to 192-384 months of incarceration on his attempted murder conviction. This sentence was within the guideline range and therefore not excessive. Appellant’s conviction for aggravated assault merged with his attempted murder conviction for sentencing purposes. Additionally, Appellant’s convictions for conspiracy, burglary, [firearms not to be carried without a license], [carrying firearms on public streets or public property in Philadelphia], and PIC all ran concurrent to his attempted murder sentence. This [c]ourt ran Appellant’s 24-96 month sentence for [persons not to possess firearms] consecutive to the attempted murder conviction to come to a total of 18-40 years of incarceration. This [c]ourt sentenced Appellant within the guidelines.
Here, this [c]ourt took into consideration Appellant’s age, potential for rehabilitation, familial support and that he is the father of a young child as all of that information was included in the [PSI report] and told to this [c]ourt during sentencing. The PSI [report] mentions his age, Appellant is 30 years old, and this [c]ourt knew that during sentencing. Even the [Commonwealth] recognized that [Appellant] has a wonderful mother who has been to court every day for Appellant. The PSI [report] mentioned that Appellant would be able to live with his mother if and when he is out of prison. The presence of the PSI [report] was noted on the record, and is, by default, considered by this [c]ourt. This [c]ourt also allowed Appellant to speak on his behalf, who mentioned his daughter. This [c]ourt was just as obligated to consider aggravating factors in its sentencing[, l]ike that Appellant has been a very violent person and has been on a downward trend. This [c]ourt ultimately used its discretion in constructing [Appellant’s] sentence…. Therefore, this sentence was not excessive, this [c]ourt properly applied partially consecutive sentences and took into consideration all sentencing factors in constructing the sentence.
(See Trial Court Opinion, filed May 23, 2017, at 19-20) (internal citations
omitted). Thus, even if Appellant had properly preserved all of his
sentencing claims and they had raised substantial questions, we would rely
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on the court’s analysis. Based on the foregoing, Appellant is not entitled to
relief on his challenge to the discretionary aspects of his sentence.
Accordingly, we affirm the judgment of sentence.
Judgment of sentence affirmed.
Judgment Entered.
Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq. Prothonotary
Date: 11/28/2017
- 11 - Circulated 11/17/2017 11:17 AM
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS FOR THE COUNTY OF PHILADELPHIA CRIMINAL DIVISION TRIAL
COMMONWEALTH NO.: CP-51-CR-0002426-2012 OF PENNSYLVANIA FILED
v. Superior Court No.: MAY 2 3 2017 2650 EDA 2016 Office of Judicial Records OWEN CORTEZ Appeals/Post Trial
CP-51-CR-4002426-2012 Comm. v. cortex, Owen Opinion
OPINION
ANHALT, J. 111111171j1,1111113,171111.111
Appellant in the above-captioned matter appeals this Court's judgment regarding his
convictions and his sentence for Attempted Murder, 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 901(a), Conspiracy to
Commit Murder, 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 903(c), Aggravated Assault, 18 Pa,C.S.A. § 2702(a), Burglary
18 Pa.C.S.A. § 3502(a), Possession of Firearms Prohibited ("VUFA 6105"), 18 Pa.C.S.A. §
6105, Firearms Not To Be Carried W/O License ("VUFA 6106"), 18 Pa.C.S.A, § 6106, Carry
Firearms in Public in Philadelphia ("VUFA 6108"), 18 Pa.C.S.A, 6108 and Possession of an
Instrument of Crime ("PIC"), 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 907(a). The Court submits the following Opinion in
accordance with the requirements of Pa.R.A.P. 1925(a). For the reasons set forth herein, the
Court holds that the judgment of conviction and sentence should be affirmed.
PROCEDURAL HISTORY
On October 8, 2011, police arrested and charged Appellant, Owen Cortez with numerous
offenses stemming from a shooting incident that occurred on January 11, 2011. The first trial of
this case resulted in a hung jury on September 22, 2014. Following a new jury trial on October 6,
2015, the jury found Appellant guilty of Criminal Attempt - Murder (H1), Conspiracy to Commit Attempted Murder (H1), Aggravated Assault (F1), Burglary (F1), VUFA 6105 (F2), VUFA 6106 (F3), VUFA 6108 (Ml) and PIC (M1). On February 22, 2016, this Court sentenced
Appellant to an aggregate sentence of 18 to 40 years of incarceration.
Appellant filed a timely notice of appeal on July 29, 2016. On October 13, 2016, this
Court ordered Appellant pursuant to Pa. R.A.P. 1925(b) to file with the Court a Concise
Statement of Matters Complained on Appeal. On October 20, 2016, Appellant filed a Statement
of Errors Complained of on Appeal. Appellant raises the following issues on appeal:
a. The evidence was insufficient to support the guilty verdicts beyond a reasonable doubt, as there was no DNA or other physical evidence, and the testimony and statements of the Commonwealth witnesses-to include those belonging to complainant-were severely inconsistent and compromised by extreme bias/lack of credibility, and the complainant also lacked sufficiently independent recollection of the assault, and lastly the expert testimony of Dr. Steven Penrod proved the unacceptably unreliable nature of the complainant's identification of the appellant. b. For the foregoing reasons the verdicts were against the weight of the evidence. c. The trial court erred in allowing into evidence irrelevant and overly prejudicial evidence of alleged intimidation and an assault on the complainant that was not committed by the appellant. d. The sentence was excessive and the Trial Court abused discretionary aspects of the sentence by entering a partly consecutive sentence and failed to give proper weight to the appellant's young age and potential for rehabilitation, familial support, and that he is the father of a young child.
FACTUAL HISTORY
The victim, Mr. Leroy Frazier, testified at trial. Notes of Testimony (N.T.) 10/1/15 at 27.
He was uncooperative during most of his time on the stand. However, the Commonwealth
provided his testimony from Appellant's preliminary hearing, though Mr. Frazier claimed not to
remember giving the testimony. Mr. Frazier also spoke with police shortly after the shooting and
gave a similar version of events to his testimony, although he claims again, not to remember. Id.
The following events are taken from both Mr. Frazier's statement to police and his prior
testimony.
2 On January 11, 2011, Mr. Frazier was in his home at 1621 Huntington Street when he
heard the doorbell ring. Id. at 25. When he opened the door, Omar McKnight -a man he knew - pushed the door open with Appellant standing directly behind him. Id. at 92. Mr. Frazier stated
that there was a third individual with them known as "B -Dot." Id. Mr. McKnight walked past
Mr. Frazier and Appellant followed him inside. Id. Appellant then pulled out a revolver from his
waistband, grabbed Mr. Frazier by his shirt and demanded money. Id. at 93, 95. Mr. Frazier
stated that he had $300 in his back pocket and then gave the money to Appellant. Id. at 95. Mr.
McKnight then walked up the steps while Appellant tried to pull Mr. Frazier by his shirt to get
him outside of his house. Id. at 96. When Appellant turned around, he turned the gun away from
Mr. Frazier. Id. Mr. Frazier then grabbed for the gun, and they started fighting over possession of
the firearm. Id.
As they both continued to tussle for the gun, Appellant called Mr. McKnight to come
down the stairs to help him with the struggle. Id. Mr. McKnight then came down and punched
Mr. Frazier in the back of the head. Id. Appellant told Mr. McKnight to let B -Dot inside Mr.
Frazier's home. Id. Mr. Frazier attempted to block Mr. McKnight from the door so that he could
not let B -Dot in the house. Id. Mr. McKnight eventually got passed Mr. Frazier and when Mr.
Frazier looked back, there was a gun pointed at the top of his head. Id. at 97. Mr. Frazier then
turned to his right and B -Dot fired the gun which struck Mr. Frazier in his back. Id.
Shortly after, Officer Miguel Diaz and his partner responded to a report of a person with
a gun and a shooting on 1621 Huntington Street. Id. at 8. When Officer Diaz pulled up to the
location, he made contact with a woman who stated that she heard a gunshot and pointed the
officers toward the open front door of 1621 Huntington. Id. at 9. The officers then made entry,
knocked on a couple doors and then went upstairs. Id. Officer Diaz found blood on the second
3 floor landing and on one of the doors. Id. Officer Diaz finally heard a response from the front
bedroom where he found Mr. Frazier, laying on the floor bleeding from his back. Id. at 9-10. He
was not talking and was in and out of consciousness. Id. at 11. The officers then carried Mr.
Frazier down the stairs to the medics who then took him to the hospital. Id. at 11. As a result of
the gunshot, Mr. Frazier had part of his lung removed, part of his spleen removed and had a stent
placed in his kidney. Id. at 27. The doctors had performed emergency surgery the night he was
shot which required reviving him twice. Id.
Detective Bill Urban conducted a lineup with Appellant. N.T. 10/5/15 at 15. Mr. Frazier
immediately picked out number two and number six and stated that they were two people
involved in his case. Id. at 17. Appellant was in the number two position and Omar McKnight
was in the number six position. Id. at 18.
The Defense then called Dr. Steven Penrod as an expert in eyewitness identification. Id.
at 40. The purpose of Dr. Penrod's testimony was to discredit Mr. Frazier's identification due to
the brief time that Mr. Frazier saw his assailants. Id.
DISCUSSION
a. The evidence presented at trial was sufficient as a matter of law to support the guilty verdicts.
Appellant contends that the Commonwealth failed to provide sufficient evidence to
convict Appellant of all convicted charges. Specifically, Appellant asserts that there was no
DNA or other physical evidence, the Commonwealth witnesses were inconsistent and
compromised by extreme lack of credibility and that Mr. Frazier also lacked sufficiently
independent recollection of the assault.
In considering a challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence, the reviewing court must
determine whether, viewing all the evidence at trial and the reasonable inferences therefrom in the light most favorable to the Commonwealth, the trier of fact could have found that each
element of the offense charged was proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Commonwealth v. Chine,
40 A.3d 1239, 1242 (Pa. Super. 2012); Commonwealth v. Marinelli, 690 A.2d 203, 210-11 (Pa.
1997); Commonwealth v. Gaskins, 692 A.2d 224, 227 (Pa. Super. 1997). This standard is
applicable whether the evidence presented is circumstantial or direct, provided the evidence links
the accused to the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Commonwealth v. Morales, 669 A.2d 1003,
1005 (Pa. Super. 1996). Furthermore, questions of witness credibility and the weight to be
afforded the evidence are within the sole province of the finder of fact, who is free to believe all,
part, or none of the evidence. Commonwealth v. Passmore, 857 A.2d 697, 708 (Pa. Super. 2004).
Any doubts regarding a defendant's guilt may be resolved by the fact -finder unless the evidence
is so weak and inconclusive that as a matter of law no probability of fact may be drawn from the
combined circumstances. Id.
Additionally, since this matter deals with conspiracy, it is important to note that once
there is evidence of the presence of a conspiracy, conspirators are liable for acts of co-
conspirators committed in furtherance of the conspiracy. Commonwealth v. Stocker, 622 A.2d
333, 342 (Pa. Super. 1993). Even if the conspirator did not act as a principal in committing the
underlying crime, he is still criminally liable for the actions of his co-conspirators taken in
furtherance of the conspiracy. Commonwealth v. Soto, 693 A.2d 226, 229-230 (Pa. Super. 1997).
Witness testimony was sufficient to convict Appellant of all convicted offenses without
the assistance of DNA or physical evidence. The jury was free to believe the preliminary
testimony of Leroy Frazier although he claimed not to remember answering those questions. The
jury was free to discredit Mr. Frazier's in -court testimony and believe his prior testimony,
statement made to detectives and identification of Mr. McKnight and Appellant via lineup.
5 Appellant also attempts to use Dr. Steven Penrod to show that Mr. Frazier's identification of
Appellant was unreliable. Notwithstanding, the jury was still free to believe Mr. Frazier's
identification of Appellant as told to detectives, as provided in his preliminary hearing testimony
and in his lineup identification. Based on the evidence presented, there is sufficient evidence to
convict Appellant of all convicted charges.
1. Conspiracy to Commit Murder.
Appellant first contends that the Commonwealth failed to provide sufficient evidence to
support a conviction of conspiracy to commit murder. Under the Pennsylvania Criminal Code:
A person is guilty of conspiracy with another person or persons to commit a crime if with the intent of promoting or facilitating its commission he: (1) agrees with such other person or persons that they or one or more of them will engage in conduct which constitutes such crime or an attempt or solicitation to commit such crime; or (2) agrees to aid such other person or persons in the planning or commission of such crime or of an attempt or solicitation to commit such crime.
18 Pa.C.S.A. § 903. "Intent required for criminal conspiracy is identical to that required for
accomplice liability; in both crimes, defendant must act with intent of promoting or facilitating
commission of offense." Commonwealth v. Ruffin, 463 A.2d 1117, FN7 (Pa. Super. 1983).
However, direct proof of an agreement is not required. Id. at 1118. The conduct of the parties
and the circumstances surrounding such conduct may be sufficient to establish an inference of
agreement. Commonwealth v. Kennedy, 453 A.2d 927, 929-930 (Pa. 1982). Additionally, when
there is evidence that one, who has not actually fired the gun, but has shared the criminal intent
and the criminal activity, that person has aided and abetted in the commission of the crime may
be held to the consequences of those acts. Commonwealth v. Rife, 312 A.2d 406, 408-409 (Pa.
1973). In other words, the Commonwealth must show that Appellant was part of an agreement to
commit murder and that some action was taken by one of the conspirators in furtherance of the
murder.
6 The Superior Court in Commonwealth v. Collins, 70 A.3d 1245, 1250 (Pa. Super. 2013)
determined that there are reasonable grounds from which the jury could infer an agreement based
on witness testimony which provided that he saw the defendant and another person approach and
later flee the murder scene together. The overt act was the murder itself because the object of the
conspiracy was successfully carried out. Id. The court in Collins determined that this evidence
was sufficient to prove all elements of conspiracy. Id. Similarly, the court in Commonwealth v.
Wayne, 720 A.2d 456, 460 (Pa. 1998), found the defendant, who did not fire a bullet, guilty of
criminal conspiracy to commit murder of Mr. Rankine. The defendant in Wayne pointed a gun at
a Mr. Hill as two other men began shooting at Mr. Hill's friend, Mr. Rankine, killing him. Id.
The defendant and other two individuals then fled in the same direction. Id. The court in Wayne
explained that the defendant need not be the one to actually shoot at the individual to be
convicted of conspiracy to commit murder. Id. Additionally, the court in Commonwealth v.
Bracero, 442 A.2d 813, 815 (Pa. Super. 1982) made it clear that the victim need not die in order
to convict the defendant of conspiracy to commit murder. The defendant in Bracero .shot victim
in the shoulder with a shotgun. Id. The Bracero court found this sufficient evidence to convict
the defendant of conspiracy. Id.
Here, Appellant went with two other men to the house of Mr. Frazier, armed with a
handgun. N.T. 10/1/15 at 30. Appellant pulled a gun, pointed it at Mr. Frazier's stomach and
chest and grabbed him by the shirt demanding money. Id. Similar to Collins, Appellant and his
co-conspirators arrived, left and completed their plan together. Id. Appellant, with the help of
Mr. McKnight, forced his way into Mr. Frazier's house. Id. at 95. As Appellant and Mr. Frazier
tussled over the gun, Appellant even called for Mr. McKnight to help him during the struggle. Id
7 Mr. McKnight then also let B -Dot into the house who then shot Mr. Frazier. Id. at 97. Not only is
it reasonable for the jury to draw an inference of conspiracy, this evidence makes clear a
conspiracy. A conviction of criminal conspiracy does not require the overt act be completed by
Appellant, only that and oven act was done. Here, like the defendant's co-conspirators in Wayne,
a man other than Appellant, in this case B-Dot, pulled the trigger and shot Mr. Frazier. Id. at 34.
Therefore, there is sufficient evidence to convict Appellant of conspiracy to commit murder.
2. Criminal Attempt - Murder.
Appellant next contends that the Commonwealth failed to provide sufficient evidence for
the conviction of attempted murder. "An individual is guilty of attempted murder in the first
degree if he commits an act that is a substantial step towards the commission of the crime with a
specific intent to kill." Commonwealth v. Holley, 945 A.2d 241, 247 (Pa. Super. 2008). The
Commonwealth may establish the mens tea required for a specific intent to kill solely from
circumstantial evidence. Id. Additionally, a jury may properly infer an intent to kill from the use
of a deadly weapon on a vital part of the victim's body. Commonwealth v. Sweger, 505 A.2d 331,
333 (Pa. Super. 1986). In other words, the Commonwealth must show that Appellant, or in this
case his co-conspirator, had the specific intent to kill Mr. Frazier and that he took a substantial
step towards the commission of the crime.
The court in Commonwealth v. Hobson, 604 A.2d 717, 720 (Pa. Super. 1992) found
sufficient evidence to convict the defendant of attempted murder. The court determined that the
defendant's use of a gun, shooting the victim in his back, a vital part of the body, is sufficient to
establish his intent to kill. Id. The victim in Hobson would have died had the bullet not been
removed by a surgical procedure. Id. Similarly, the court in Bracero, 442 A.2d at 815 found
8 sufficient evidence to convict the defendant of attempted murder where the defendant shot the
victim in the shoulder with a shotgun. Id.
To reiterate, although Appellant did not shoot Mr. Frazier in his back, Appellant is still
liable for his co-conspirator's actions. And again, Rife, 312 A.2d at 408-409 explains that when
there is evidence that one, even though he had not fired the gun, but although shared in the
criminal intent, may be held responsible for the other's acts.
Here, like Hobson, and perhaps more serious than the injuries sustained in Bracero,
Appellant's co-conspirator shot Mr. Frazier in the back, a vital part of his body. Mr. Frazier
required multiple surgeries to treat his wounds and had to have part of his lung and his entire
spleen removed, as well as having a stent placed in his kidney. N.T. 10/1/15 at 27. Mr. Frazier's
injuries were so severe that he died twice on the operating table, having to be revived by doctors.
Id. Although Appellant did not fire the bullet, this shooting was done in firtherance of the
robbery of Mr. Frazier. Id. at 97. Since the shooting was done in furtherance of the robbery,
Appellant is liable for the shooting, which is sufficient for an attempted murder conviction as he
was responsible for the natural and probable consequence of the object of the crimes. Appellant's
act of brandishing a firearm and pointing that weapon at Mr. Frazier while threatening him helps
support this theory. Id. at 34. Appellant was the first person to brandish a weapon; and got into a
struggle with Mr. Frazier over possession of the weapon. Id. at 96. If it had not of been for B -
Dot, who ultimately fired the shot, Appellant would likely have been the one to fire at Mr.
Frazier. Id. at 97. Mr. McKnight, B -Dot and Appellant had a plan. Appellant's actions in concert
with his co-conspirators would leave a reasonable jury to infer an intent to kill Mr. Frazier.
Additionally, B -Dot firing the weapon at Mr. Frazier constituted a substantial step toward the
killing of him. Id. The evidence provided through witness testimony is sufficient for the jury to
9 infer all elements of attempted murder. As the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has stated, Appellant
is responsible for every action taken by the other conspirators, including the attempted murder of
Mr. Frazier. Therefore, Appellant was properly convicted of attempted murder.
3. Aggravated Assault.
Appellant next contends that the Commonwealth failed to prove the elements of
aggravated assault. The Pennsylvania Criminal Code provides that an individual is guilty of
aggravated assault if he, attempts to cause serious bodily injury to another, or causes such injury
intentionally, knowingly or recklessly under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to
the value of human life. 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 2702(a)(1).
At the outset, because there is sufficient evidence to convict Appellant of attempted
murder of Mr. Frazier, there is sufficient evidence to convict Appellant of aggravated assault, as
it is a lesser included offense. Aggravated assault is included within the offense of attempted
murder since every element of aggravated assault is subsumed in the elements of attempted
murder. Commonwealth v. Anderson, 650 A.2d 20, 22 (Pa. 1994). The Commonwealth in
Anderson established guilt of attempted murder and no additional evidence was required to
secure the defendant's conviction for aggravated assault. Id. The defendant's act of shooting the
victim in the back of the neck constituted, both aggravated assault and attempted murder. Id. The
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in Anderson explained that the act necessary to establish
attempted murder coincides with the same act necessary to establish an aggravated assault
conviction. Id. at 23. Further, Anderson stated that since the intent necessary to establish
attempted murder is greater than aggravated assault, the aggravated assault intent threshold is
already met by proving intent for attempted murder. Id.
10 4. Burglary.
Appellant next contends that there is not sufficient evidence to convict him of burglary.
According to the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, a person commits burglary if, with the intent to
commit a crime therein, the person enters a building or occupied structure, or separately secured
or occupied portion thereof that is adapted for overnight accommodations in which at the time of
the offense any person is present. 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 3502(a). Ultimately, the Commonwealth must
prove that Appellant entered a domicile illegally with an intent to commit a crime while an
individual was present.
The court in Commonwealth v. Rayner, 153 A.3d 1049, 1055 (Pa. Super. 2016)
determined that evidence that the defendant and two other men broke into Dominick Williams'
apartment with the intent of robbing him was sufficient to convict the defendant of burglary as a
first -degree felony. With Mr. Williams present in his residence, one of the defendant's co-
conspirators shot him and took a jar from him which contained marijuana. Id. This evidence by
itself was sufficient for the court in Rayner to conclude that the elements of burglary were met.
Id.
Here, like Rayner, Appellant and his co-conspirators forced their way illegally into Mr.
Frazier's home in the presence of Mr. Frazier. N.T. 10/1/15 at 30. Appellant then pulled a gun on
Mr. Frazier, grabbed him by the shirt and demanded money. Id. Additionally, during the entry
into Mr. Frazier's home, Appellant took $300 from Mr. Frazier's person at gunpoint. Id. at 95.
As explained in Rayner, this evidence by itself is sufficient to convict Appellant of burglary.
Therefore, there is sufficient evidence to convict Appellant of burglary.
11 5. VUFA 6105, 6106 and 6108.
Appellant next contends that there is not sufficient evidence to convict him under VUFA
6105, 6016 and 6108. Under VUFA 6105(a)(1), VUFA 6106(a)(1) and VUFA 6108 respectively:
A person who has been convicted of an offense enumerated in subsection (b), within or without this Commonwealth, regardless of the length of sentence or whose conduct meets the criteria in subsection (c) shall not possess, use, control, sell, transfer or manufacture or obtain a license to possess, use, control, sell, transfer or manufacture a firearm in this Commonwealth.
18 Pa.C.S.A. § 6105(a)(1).
Next, under VUFA 6106:
[Amy person who carries a firearm in any vehicle or any person who caries a firearm concealed on or about his person, except in his place of abode or fixed place of business, without a valid and lawfully issued license under this chapter commits a felony of the third degree.
18 Pa.C.S.A. § 6106(a)(1).
Finally, under VUFA 6108:
No person shall carry a firearm, rifle or shotgun at any time upon the public streets or upon any public property in a city of the first class unless: (1) such person is licensed to carry a firearm; or (2) such person is exempt from licensing under section 6106(b) of this title (relating to firearms not to be carried without a license).
18 Pa.C.S.A. § 6108.
In Commonwealth v. Robinson, 817 A.2d 1153, 1161-1162 (Pa. Super. 2003), the victim's
testimony that the assailants who robbed her possessed guns was sufficient to establish that the
defendant violated the Uniform Firearms' Act. The Robinson court made it clear that this
evidence is all that is needed to sustain a conviction of a violation of the Uniform Firearms' Act.
Id. at 1162. The court in Commonwealth v. Petrakovich, 329 A.2d 844, 847 (Pa. 1974)
determined there was sufficient evidence to support a conviction of carrying firearm without
license against the defendant who - based on witness testimony - walked into the diner where
12 his wife worked, drew a gun and fired it at his wife. Similarly, testimonial evidence was
sufficient to prove the defendant guilty of carrying firearms on public streets or public property
in Philadelphia when he shot victim on a Philadelphia public street. Commonwealth v. Monroe,
422 A.2d 193, 195 (Pa. Super. 1980).
Ultimately, the Commonwealth must prove that Appellant carried a firearm in public and
was not permitted to carry a firearm in public because of a previous enumerated conviction for
VUFA 6105, carried a firearm in public without a license for VUFA 6016 and that it occurred on
the streets of Philadelphia for VUFA 6108.
Like Robinson, Monroe and Petrakovich there is witness testimony that Appellant
possessed a firearm in public in Philadelphia. Mr. Frazier's testimony, as it stands alone, is
enough. Here, the incident occurred at 1621 Huntington Street in Philadelphia. N.T. 10/1/15 at 8.
Appellant carried the firearm on his person, entered the residence then brandished, the firearm
and pointed it at Mr. Frazier's stomach and chest, demanding money. Id. at 32. The
Commonwealth provided a certificate of non-licensure regarding Appellant carrying a firearm on
the date in question. N.T. 10/1/15 at 5. This evidence as it stands by itself, is sufficient for VUFA
6106 and 6108 convictions. Additionally, Appellant's previous conviction for robbery under 18
Pa.C.S.A. § 3701 - an enumerated felony under 6105(b) - coupled with testimonial evidence of his possession of a firearm is sufficient for a VUFA 6105 conviction. See 18 Pa.C.S.A. §
6105(b). Therefore, the Commonwealth provided sufficient evidence to sustain convictions for
VUFA 6105, 6106 and 6108.
6. PIC.
Appellant next asserts that the Commonwealth did not provide sufficient evidence to
sustain a conviction of PIC. A person is guilty of PIC if he possesses any instrument of crime
13 with intent to employ it criminally. 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 907(a). "In order to convict appellant of
[PIC], the Commonwealth had to prove that she possessed her gun under circumstances
manifestly inappropriate for such lawful uses the gun may have had and with an intent to employ
it criminally." Commonwealth v, Jeter, 418 A.2d 625, 628 (Pa. Super. 1980).
In Commonwealth v. Brown, 23 A.3d 544, 561 (Pa. Super. 2011), testimony that the
defendant pointed the gun at the victim and demanded money is sufficient to establish that the
defendant possessed an instrument of crime for the purpose of employing it criminally.
Similarly, the court in Commonwealth v. Nelson, 582 A.2d 1115, 1118 (Pa. Super. 1990)
explained that the defendant's co -felon's handling of the firearm was sufficient to convict the
defendant of PIC.
Here, testimonial evidence that Appellant brandished a firearm and pointed it at Mr.
Frazier, by itself, is sufficient to establish Appellant's guilt of PIC. N.T. 10/1/15 at 30.
Consistent with the evidence provided in Brown, the testimonial evidence here is sufficient to
show that Appellant possessed a firearm. Additionally, even more convincing than Nelson,
Appellant, not his co-conspirator was in possession of the gun. Id. at 93. Therefore, there is
sufficient evidence to convict Appellant of PIC.
b. The verdict was not against the weight of the evidence.
Appellant contends that the verdict returned by the jury was against the weight of the
evidence brought by the Commonwealth. Appellant cites the same reasons mentioned in his
sufficiency argument. For the same reasons provided in the previous subsection, the verdict was
not against the weight of evidence.
It is well settled that a motion for a new trial based on a claim that the verdict is against
the weight of the evidence is addressed to the discretion of the trial court. Commonwealth v.
14 Clay, 64 A.3d 1049, 1055 (Pa. 2013). "A new trial should not be granted because of a mere
conflict in the testimony or because the judge on the same facts would have arrived at a different
conclusion." Id. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania also set forth that:
The weight of the evidence is exclusively for the finder of fact who is free to believe all, part, or none of the evidence and to determine the credibility of the witnesses. An appellate court cannot substitute its judgment for that of the finder of fact. Thus, we may only reverse the lower court's verdict if it is so contrary to the evidence as to shock one's sense of justice.
Commonwealth v. Champney, 832 A.2d 403, 408 (Pa. 2003) citing Commonwealth v. Small, 741
A.2d 666, 672-73 (Pa. 1999) (citations omitted). Kaplan v. O'Kane, 835 A.2d 735, 737 (Pa.
Super. 2003)(holding "[t]he power to grant a new trial lies inherently with the trial court, and
[the] appellate court will not reverse its decision absent a clear abuse of discretion or an error of
law which controls the outcome of the case."). A true weight of the evidence challenge questions
which evidence is to be believed. Armbruster v. Horowitz, 744 A.2d 285, 286 (Pa. Super. 1999).
The jury was free to believe all or part of the witness testimony, it was free to believe all
of the evidence laid out in the previous subsection. To avoid reiteration, the evidence provided in
the sufficiency analysis helps show that this verdict was not against the weight of evidence. The
jury was proper in believing the testimony of Mr. Frazier as provided in his preliminary hearing,
his statements to detectives and his lineup identification of Mr. McKnight and Appellant. Mr.
Frazier's statements to police and preliminary testimony mirror each other. Additionally, Mr.
Frazier's lineup identification helps support his preliminary testimony rather than his trial
testimony. N.T. 10/5/15 at 17. The jury was also proper in discrediting Mr. Frazier's trial
testimony in which he stated that he did not remember giving his preliminary testimony. Since
the weight given to any and all evidence is for the finder of fact to determine, and because this
15 was not verdict is not "so contrary to the evidence as to shock one's sense of justice," the verdict
against the weight of the evidence.
c. This Court did not err in allowing evidence of alleged intimidation and an assault of Mr. Frazier. overly Appellant contends that this Court erred in allowing into evidence "irrelevant and
prejudicial" testimony of alleged intimidation and an assault of Mr. Frazier. Since this Court
allowed this evidence in for the limited purpose of the effect it had on Mr. Frazier and instructed
the jury accordingly, Appellant's assertion fails. This Court's discretion of admission of evidence
is as follows:
The admission of evidence is a matter vested within the sound discretion of the trial court, and such a decision shall be reversed only upon a showing that a trial court abused its discretion. In determining whether evidence should be admitted, the trial court must weigh the relevance and probative value of the evidence against the prejudicial impact of that evidence. Evidence is relevant if it logically tends to establish a material fact in the case or tends to support a reasonable inference regarding a material fact. Although a court may find evidence is relevant, the court may nevertheless conclude that such evidence is inadmissible on account of its prejudicial impact.
Commonwealth v. Reid, 811 A.2d 530, 550 (Pa. 2002).
This Court determined that this evidence was relevant for a limited purpose. N.T. 10/1/15
at 81. This Court also provided the jury with a limiting instruction:
THE COURT:... You also heard about the threats and phone calls that were made after the police came and various things. And there's really only one reason why they were brought to your attention, and it's not whether they're necessarily true or not, but it's about the effect that it has on Mr. Frazier. For example, any [sic] threat that was made towards Mr. Frazier, you can't hold that against Mr. Cortez. That's not the purpose. This is not about him in that regard. It's about why Mr. Frazier may be doing the things that he's doing, just like the situation with the open cases. It's not because he did or he didn't get whatever, it's because of the affect it has on him. So don't think he's a bad guy, and therefore, X, Y and Z. You can't use that information in that regard. You're using it to assess whether he has motive to lie or whether he's going to get favorable treatment. It's what he thinks. Okay. So keep that in mind.
N.T. 10/5/15 at 121-122.
16 Here, this Court allowed evidence of Mr. Frazier's fear of violence while in prison and
evidence of being physically assaulted while in prison by other unknown people. Id. at 8. This truth evidence was relevant as to what Mr. Frazier was feeling and was not admitted to show its
or to prove that he was actually assaulted by people on behalf of Appellant. Id. at 7-8. The
evidence was merely admitted to show that Mr. Frazier felt apprehension and thought that
Appellant was out to get him. Id. This was not offered for the truth, and this Court made that
clear to the jury. Since relevance and prejudice are within the purview of the trial court, barring
abuse of discretion, and because this Court did not abuse its discretion, this Court did not err in
allowing the evidence into the trial.
d. The sentence was not excessive.
Appellant contends that the sentence imposed by this Court was excessive and that this claims that Court abused its discretion by entering a partly consecutive sentence. Appellant also familial this Court failed to give proper weight to Appellant's young age, potential rehabilitation, the support and that he is a father of a young child. Since this Court sentenced Appellant within
guidelines, Appellant's argument lacks merit.
In considering the excessiveness of a sentence, courts stress that sentencing is within the
sound discretion of the trial court and will not be disturbed unless it is outside the statutory limits
or manifestly excessive. Commonwealth v. Gee, 575 A.2d 628, 630 (Pa. Super. 1990). Further, is in the appellate court must give great weight to the sentencing judge's discretion, as he or she
the best position to measure various factors such as the nature of the crime, the defendant's
character, and the defendant's display of remorse, defiance or indifference. Commonwealth v.
Anderson, 552 A.2d 1064, 1072 (Pa. Super. 1988). In the context of sentencing, an abuse of
discretion is not shown merely by an error in judgment. Commonwealth v. Kocher, 602 A.2d
17 1308, 1310 (Pa. 1992). "Rather, the appellant must establish, by reference to the record, that the
sentencing court ignored or misapplied the law, exercised its judgment for reasons of partiality,
prejudice, bias or ill will, or arrived at a manifestly unreasonable decision." Id. "Sentencing
guidelines are merely advisory and a sentencing court may sentence a defendant outside of the
guidelines so long as it places its reasons for the deviation on the record." Commonwealth v.
P. L.S. , 894 A.2d 120, 129 (Pa. Super. 2006). Additionally, an appellate court shall vacate a
sentence and remand to the sentencing court if the sentencing court sentenced outside the
guidelines and the sentence is unreasonable. 42 Pa.C.S. § 9781(c)(3).
In Commonwealth v. Cunningham, 805 A.2d 566, 576 (Pa. Super. 2002) the sentencing
court thoroughly explained the need for deviating from the sentencing guidelines in fashioning
the appellant's sentence. Id. The Cunningham court focused on the appellant's extensive criminal
history, the appellant's failure to rehabilitate and the need to protect society, particularly the
elderly, from the appellant. Id. The Superior Court in Cunningham concluded that the sentencing
court did not abuse its discretion in formulating the defendant's sentence. Id.
The court in Commonwealth v. Mouzon, 828 A.2d 1126, 1129 (Pa. Super. 2003) also
provided sufficient explanation for deviating from guideline ranges in determining the
defendant's sentence. The Mouzon court weighed most heavily the defendant's lack of remorse
and deflection of accountability. Id. The court's specific reasons compelling it to deviate from
the guideline range were made part of the record. Id at 1130. The Mouzon court, therefore, did
not abuse its discretion in formulating an upward departure sentence. Id. Mouzon also explained
that the sentencing court has the discretion to run the sentences concurrently or consecutively to
other sentences being imposed. Id. Additionally, Commonwealth v. Graham, 661 A.2d 1367,
1373 (Pa. 1995) stated that 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 9721 affords the sentencing court discretion to impose
18 its sentence concurrently or consecutively to other sentences being imposed at the same time or
to sentences already imposed. See 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 9721.
Here, this Court sentenced the Appellant to 18 to 40 years of incarceration. N.T. 2/22/16
at 21. Appellant has a prior record score ("PRS") of 4. Appellant's attempted murder conviction
carries an offense gravity score ("OGS") of 14. The deadly weapon enhancement sentencing
matrix guideline is 177-240 months of incarceration plus or minus 12 months. See 204 Pa. Code
§ 303.17(a). This Court sentenced Appellant to 192-384 months of incarceration on his
attempted murder conviction. N.T. 2/22/16 at 21. This sentence was within the guideline range
and therefore not excessive. Appellant's conviction for aggravated assault merged with his
attempted murder conviction for sentencing purposes. Id. Additionally, Appellant's convictions
for conspiracy, burglary, VUFA 6106, VUFA 6108 and PIC all ran concurrent to his attempted
murder sentence. Id. This Court ran Appellant's 24-96 month sentence for VUFA 6105
consecutive to the attempted murder conviction to come to a total of 18-40 years of
incarceration. This Court sentenced Appellant within the guidelines.
Here, this Court took into consideration Appellant's age, potential for rehabilitation,
familial support and that he is the father of a young child as all of that information was included
in the presentence investigation report ("PSI") and told to this Court during sentencing. The PSI
mentions his age, Appellant is 30 years old, and this Court knew that during sentencing. Even the
Assistance District Attorney recognized that he has a wonderful mother who has been to court
every day for Appellant. N.T. 2/22/16 at 14. The PSI mentioned that Appellant would be able to
live with his mother if and when he is out of prison. The presence of the PSI was noted on the
record and is, by default, considered by this Court. Id. This Court also allowed Appellant to
speak on his behalf, who mentioned his daughter. Id. at 18. This Court was just as obligated to
19 consider aggravating factors in its sentencing. Like that Appellant has been a very violent person
in and has been on a downward trend. Id. at 14. This Court ultimately used its discretion 9721. constructing a sentence as explained in Mouzon, Graham and provided in 42 Pa.C.S.A. §
Therefore, this sentence was not excessive, this Court properly applied partially consecutive
sentences and took into consideration all sentencing factors in constructing the sentence.
CONCLUSION
After review of the applicable statutes, testimony, and case law, there is sufficient
evidence to find Appellant guilty of all offenses. Additionally, this Court did not err in
sentencing Appellant. Accordingly, the trial court's decision should be affirmed.
BY THE COURT:
ozei,fiso tior axiatt DATE: May 23, 2017 DIANA L. ANHALT, J.
20 PROOF OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that on the date set forth below, I caused an original copy of the Judicial satisfies the Opinion to be served upon the persons at following locations, which service requirements of Pa.R.A.P. 122:
Alvarez Law, L.L.C. Daniel A. Alvarez, Esquire 100 S. Broad Street, Suite 1216 Philadelphia, PA 19110
Hugh Burns, Esquire Philadelphia District Attorney's Office Three South Penn Square Philadelphia, PA 19107
Date: `J /23 /I 3. By: Diana Anhalt, Judge