J-A10015-18
NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF : PENNSYLVANIA Appellant : : v. : : DANIEL DAVID GAUGHAN : : Appellee : No. 2463 EDA 2017
Appeal from the Order June 30, 2017 In the Court of Common Pleas of Monroe County Criminal Division at No(s): CP-45-CR-0002489-2016
BEFORE: GANTMAN, P.J., McLAUGHLIN, J., and RANSOM*, J.
MEMORANDUM BY GANTMAN, P.J.: FILED JULY 03, 2018
Appellant, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, appeals from the order
entered in the Monroe County Court of Common Pleas, which granted in part
the petition for a writ of habeas corpus, filed on behalf of Appellee, Daniel
David Gaughan, and dismissed all the counts with a mens rea of recklessness
or gross negligence,1 arising from a multiple motor vehicle accident, for failure
to present a prima facie case on those counts.2 We affirm.
The trial court opinion sets forth the relevant facts of this case as
____________________________________________
1 See Commonwealth v. Huggins, 575 Pa. 395, 836 A.2d 862 (2003) (stating generally that mens rea of recklessness and gross negligence in criminal context are fundamentally equivalent).
2 Pursuant to Pa.R.A.P. 311(d), the Commonwealth has certified in its notice of appeal that the trial court’s order substantially handicapped or terminated the prosecution of the Commonwealth’s case against Appellee. Accordingly, this appeal is properly before us for review. ____________________________________ * Retired Senior Judge assigned to the Superior Court. J-A10015-18
follows:
As a result of a fatal automobile accident in which two persons were killed and three others injured, [Appellee] was arrested and charged with two counts of Homicide by Vehicle, 75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3732; two counts of Involuntary Manslaughter, 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 250[4](a); four counts of Aggravated Assault by Vehicle 75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3732.1 (A), five counts of Recklessly Endangering Another Person (“REAP”), 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 2705; and several traffic offenses including Reckless Driving, 75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3736(a), Careless Driving, 75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3714(a); Traffic Control Signals, 75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3112(A)(3)(i); Following too Closely, 75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3310(A); and Driving at a Safe Speed, 75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3361. [Appellee] waived his right to a preliminary hearing and the charges were bound to court. Subsequently, [Appellee] filed an omnibus motion which included a petition for habeas corpus relief seeking dismissal of all charges.
At [the] hearing on [Appellee]'s motion, the Commonwealth presented the testimony of Stroud Area Regional Police Department officer Kenneth Palmer, who qualified as an expert in accident reconstruction, and submitted several exhibits, including Officer Palmer’s accident reconstruction report, his certifications, and an autopsy report and death certificate for the decedents. [Appellee] did not present evidence. The record was left open for the Commonwealth to submit medical evidence regarding the victims referenced in Counts 5 and 6. No additional evidence was submitted. Both parties asked for and were granted leave to file briefs. [Appellee] submitted a brief; the Commonwealth did not.
Based on the record presented by the parties, the relevant facts, summarized in light of the applicable standards, are as follows:
On October 13, 2014, at approximately 9:43 a.m., [Appellee] was driving a Volvo tractor trailer, without cargo, south on State Route 209 in Stroud Township, Monroe County toward the intersection of Route 209 and Schafers Schoolhouse Road. At that time, there were no adverse road, weather, or lighting conditions, the roadway was dry, and it was daylight.
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Route 209 is a four lane road, with two southbound and two northbound lanes of travel. At the intersection, there is additionally a left turn lane. Traveling south, site distance to the intersection is extensive and unobstructed.
The intersection is controlled by a traffic signal. As [Appellee] approached, the signal was red. When a Honda Civic travelling south in front of [Appellee] slowed for the red light, [Appellee]’s tractor trailer rear-ended the car. The Civic was spun off the road and then back into the southbound travel lane where it was again struck by [Appellee]’s tractor trailer. The tractor trailer continued through the intersection and collided with a pickup. Tragically, the two backseat passengers in the Civic were killed, and the driver and passenger were injured. The driver of the pickup was also injured.
Officer Palmer responded to the scene, conducted an investigation, and prepared a report. Officer Palmer’s investigation revealed that the collision occurred as summarized above. In addition, there were no pre- impact skid marks. A review of the tractor trailer’s Electronic Control Module, or “black box,” revealed that [Appellee] did not brake until one-quarter to one- half of a second before impact and that prior to impact, [Appellee] was travelling 53 miles per hour, two miles less than the posted speed limit. Inspection of the Civic and pickup revealed that there were no mechanical failures relating to either vehicle that contributed to the accident. Similarly, inspection of the tractor trailer did not reveal any mechanical failures that caused or contributed to the accident, although the airbrakes could not properly be checked because the brake lines could not be activated.
On completion of his investigation, Officer Palmer issued a report that included six conclusions regarding the incident. He testified about his conclusions during the hearing. The first conclusion is that environmental and roadway factors did not contribute to the collision. The second and third conclusions determined the Civic
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and pickup did not have any pre-collision defects that contributed to the collision. The fourth conclusion has three subparts: a) one-half of a second before impact the tractor trailer was moving at 53 MPH with no braking; b) one-quarter of a second before impact the tractor trailer was moving at 53 MPH with the service brake applied; and c) at first impact, the tractor trailer was moving at 43 MPH with the service brake applied. The fifth and sixth conclusions state that the two decedents died as a result of blunt force trauma sustained in the collision, that the three other victims were…injured as a result of the collision, and that the collision occurred because [Appellee] “failed to react to approaching traffic conditions.”
Neither alcohol nor controlled substances played a part in the tragedy. An evaluation of [Appellee]’s cell phone to determine whether he had been using it at the time of the accident was inconclusive. No evidence was presented as to observations or statements of eye witnesses, if any, the manner in which [Appellee] was driving before the accident, his prior activities, his physical, mental or emotional condition, how long he had been driving that day or that week, or his driver’s log book.
After hearing the evidence and reviewing [Appellee]’s brief and the applicable law, we issued the challenged order which, as noted, dismissed all offenses that carry a mens rea of recklessness. We did not dismiss the remaining summary traffic offenses because the Commonwealth had unquestionably established a prima facie case of those charges.
1. [Appellee’s] Motion for Habeas Corpus Relief is GRANTED in part and DENIED in part. The motion is GRANTED as to the counts 1 through 13 and 18, all of which charge crimes that require a mens rea of recklessness. The motion is DENIED as to counts 14 through 17, all of which charge crimes that do not require a mens rea of recklessness….
In broad summary, the Commonwealth failed to demonstrate in the evidence on record that
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[Appellee’s] failure to recognize the traffic ahead of him arose from any affirmative conduct, as opposed to inadvertence or inattentiveness. While the evidence presented to the [c]ourt was sufficient to demonstrate carelessness or negligence, it did not present a basis to conclude [Appellee] was engaging in any conduct that would elevate his culpability to a conscious disregard of a substantial risk to reach the requisite level of recklessness. In this regard, the Commonwealth did not file a brief to discuss the element of mens rea or point to facts which, under the law, established a prima facie case of recklessness.
(Order, dated June 30, 2017, ¶1). [Appellee] has not challenged our denial of his motion as to the summary traffic offenses. The Commonwealth filed this appeal.
(Trial Court Opinion, filed September 11, 2017, at 2-5) (internal footnotes and
citations omitted). The trial court did ordered the Commonwealth on July 31,
2017, to file a concise statement of errors complained of on appeal, per
Pa.R.A.P. 1925(b). The Commonwealth timely complied on August 11, 2017.
The Commonwealth raises the following issue on appeal:
DID THE COMMONWEALTH PRESENT SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE OF RECKLESSNESS OR GROSS NEGLIGENCE TO SUSTAIN THE NECESSARY PRIMA FACIE BURDEN AT A HABEAS CORPUS PROCEEDING WITH REGARD TO THE CHARGES OF HOMICIDE BY VEHICLE, AGGRAVATED ASSAULT BY VEHICLE, INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER, RECKLESSLY ENDANGERING ANOTHER PERSON, AND RECKLESS DRIVING?
(Commonwealth’s Brief at 3).
The Commonwealth argues Appellee drove his tractor-trailer on a major
roadway, at an unsafe speed of 53 mph, failed to apply his brakes until a
quarter of a second before striking the first vehicle twice, failed to stop at a
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red light, and struck a second vehicle. The roadway is straight and flat for
approximately a half-mile, with an unobstructed view of the red traffic signal
and of warning lights indicating the presence of a red traffic signal. The
Commonwealth submits this circumstantial evidence established a prima facie
case as to recklessness or gross negligence, for counts one through thirteen
and count eighteen. The Commonwealth concludes this Court should reverse
the order dismissing the charges at issue and reinstate them. We disagree.
We emphasize that a pre-trial habeas decision is not subject to an abuse
of discretion standard. Commonwealth v. Karetny, 583 Pa. 514, 880 A.2d
505 (2005). A pre-trial habeas decision on the Commonwealth’s prima facie
case for a charged crime is a question of law subject to plenary review.
Commonwealth v. Dantzler, 135 A.3d 1109, 1112 (Pa.Super. 2016) (en
banc) (citing Karetny, supra).
After a thorough review of the record, the briefs of the parties, the
applicable law, and the well-reasoned opinion of the Honorable Jonathan Mark,
we conclude the Commonwealth’s issue merits no relief. The trial court
opinion fully discusses and properly disposes of the question presented. (See
Trial Court Opinion at pages 6-13) (finding: record shows Commonwealth
failed to demonstrate accident occurred from any affirmative conduct of
Appellee, as opposed to his inattentiveness; Commonwealth presented
evidence sufficient to demonstrate negligence, but it did not present any basis
to conclude Appellee engaged in conduct to elevate his culpability to conscious
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disregard of substantial risk to reach requisite mens rea of recklessness;
Commonwealth’s case is that fatal accident occurred because Appellee simply
did not appreciate slowing traffic before him in his travel lane, which absent
more, is insufficient to carry charges requiring mens rea of recklessness;
Commonwealth failed to create jury question involving Appellee’s activities,
state of mind, health, physical condition, or fitness to drive; Commonwealth’s
evidence perhaps established negligence or carelessness or momentary
inattentiveness but not enough to raise permissible inference of recklessness;
despite tragic nature of this case, record does not support mens rea for
contested charges). We agree.
Further, we reject the Commonwealth’s reliance on Commonwealth v.
Grimes, 842 A.2d 432 (Pa.Super. 2004) and Commonwealth v. Seibert,
799 A.2d 54 (Pa.Super. 2002), as those cases are both procedurally and
substantively inapposite. Here, the Commonwealth is appealing from a pre-
trial habeas corpus decision. The cases the Commonwealth cites involved the
defendants’ appeals following jury verdicts. Moreover, the facts of the Grimes
and Seibert cases included additional relevant factors which established the
mens rea of recklessness. For example, in Grimes, the evidence showed the
defendant had weaved all over the roadway and repeatedly swerved into
oncoming traffic an estimated ten to twenty times, failed to apply his brakes,
and made no attempt to avoid hitting the victim’s car. In Seibert, the
evidence showed the defendant drove into oncoming traffic and struck a
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tractor-trailer head-on. Here, the record is devoid of similar additional factors
to support the inference of recklessness. Any suggestion that a motor vehicle
code violation, without more, is a form of “recklessness per se” is contrary to
case law. See Commonwealth v. Bullick, 830 A.2d 988, 1003-04
(Pa.Super. 2003) (stating: “What is material is actual reckless driving or
conduct…for it is this conduct which creates the peril in question”).
Accordingly, we affirm on the basis of the trial court’s opinion.
Order affirmed.
Judge McLaughlin joins this memorandum.
Judge Ransom did not participate in the consideration or decision of this case.
Judgment Entered.
Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq. Prothonotary
Date: 7/3/18
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Circulated 06/13/2018 02:52 PM
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF MONROE COUNTY FORTY-THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA :
: No. 2489 CRIMINAL 2016 V. : Appeal Docket No. EDA 2017
DANIEL DAVID GAUGHAN
Defendant
OPINION IN SUPORT OF ORDER PURSUANT TO Pa. R.A.P. 19250)
Introduction
On June 30, 2017, we issued an order granting in part Defendant's motion for
habeas corpus relief by dismissing all charges that carry a mens rea of recklessness.'
The order provided a broad summary of the reasons for our ruling and indicated that an
opinion would follow. Before the opinion was issued, the Commonwealth filed this
appeal. As a result, we issued an order directing the Commonwealth to file a statement
of errors complained of on appeal pursuant to Pa. R.A.P. 1925(b) and held off filing this
opinion so that we could at once state the reasons for our order and address issues
raised by the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth filed a Rule 1925(b) statement.2 We
now file this opinion in accordance with Pa.R.A.P. 1925(a) and our Order.
1 Defendant's habeas motion was part of an omnibus pretrial motion which included other requests for relief that
were resolved during the omnibus hearing and addressed in an earlier order dated February 27, 2017. Neither party has challenged the rulings pertaining to Defendant's other requests for relief and those rulings are not at issue in this appeal.
2 In its Rule 1925(b) Statement, the Commonwealth reserved the right to address additional issues because its statement was filed before this opinion. We do not believe that a party may unilaterally reserve the right to file a supplemental appeal statement. Nonetheless, fairness dictates that the Commonwealth be given the opportunity to supplement its statement with new issues after it receives this opinion and has the opportunity to review our reasoning. If such a request is timely filed, we will grant it.
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Background
As a result of a fatal automobile accident in which two persons were killed and
three others injured, Defendant was arrested and charged with two counts of Homicide
by Vehicle , 75 Pa.C.S.A. §3732; two counts of Involuntary Manslaughter, 18 Pa.C.S.A.
§ 2505(a); four counts of Aggravated Assault by Vehicle 75 Pa.C.S.A. §3732.1(A), five
counts of Recklessly Endangering Another Person ("REAP"), 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 2705; and
several traffic offenses including Reckless Driving, 75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3736(a), Careless
Driving, 75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3714(a); Traffic Control Signals, 75 Pa.C.S. §3112(A)(3)(I);
Following too Closely, 75 Pa.C.S. §3310(A); and Driving at a Safe Speed , 75 Pa.C.S.
§3361. Defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing and the charges were
bound to court. Subsequently, Defendant filed an omnibus motion which included a
petition for habeas corpus relief seeking dismissal of all charges.
At hearing on Defendant's motion, the Commonwealth presented the testimony
of Stroud Area Regional Police Department officer Kenneth Palmer, who qualified as an
expert in accident reconstruction, and submitted several exhibits, including Officer
Palmer's accident reconstruction report, his certifications, and an autopsy report and
death certificate for the decedents. Defendant did not present evidence. The record was
left open for the Commonwealth to submit medical evidence regarding the victims
referenced in Counts 5 and 6. No additional evidence was submitted. Both parties
asked for and were granted leave to file briefs. (N.T., 2/27/2017, pp. 62-63; Order dated
2/27/2017). Defendant submitted a brief; the Commonwealth did not.
Based on the record presented by the parties, the relevant facts, summarized in
light of the applicable standards, are as follows:
2 .2.)_Lipililuip ui OUppUIL Ul VIUGI pmsuam w ra.R.P1.r, utuktt).pu I
On October 13, 2014, at approximately 9:43 a.m., Defendant was driving a Volvo
tractor trailer, without cargo, south on State Route 209 in Stroud Township, Monroe
County toward the intersection of Route 209 and Schafers Schoolhouse Road. At that
time, there were no adverse road, weather, or lighting conditions, the roadway was dry,
and it was daylight.
Route 209 is a four lane road, with two southbound and two northbound lanes of
travel. At the intersection, there is additionally a left turn lane. Traveling south, site
distance to the intersection is extensive and unobstructed.
The intersection is controlled by a traffic signal. As Defendant approached, the
signal was red. When a Honda Civic travelling south in front of Defendant slowed for the
red light, Defendant's tractor trailer rear -ended the car. The Civic was spun off the road
and then back into the southbound travel lane where it was again struck by Defendant's
tractor trailer. The tractor trailer continued through the intersection and collided with a
pickup. Tragically, the two backseat passengers in the Civic were killed and the driver
and passenger were injured. The driver of the pickup was also injured. (N.T. 2/27/2017,
pp.39-42; Commonwealth's Exhibit 2, Accident Reconstruction Report, pp. 4-5 and 22;
Affidavit of Probable Cause).
Officer Palmer responded to the scene, conducted an investigation, and
prepared a report. (N.T., 2/27/2017, Commonwealth's Exhibit 2). Officer Palmer's
investigation revealed that the collision occurred as summarized above. In addition,
there were no pre -impact skid marks. A review of the tractor trailer's Electronic Control
Module, or "black box," revealed that Defendant did not brake until one -quarter to one-
half of a second before impact and that prior to impact, Defendant was travelling 53
3 .J.J,...1/4/p1111U1 I II I OUppUlt Ul VIUCI purauam IV ra.n.n.r. vzokaj.pui
miles per hour, two miles less than the posted speed limit. (N.T. 02/27/17, p. 53).
Inspection of the Civic and pickup revealed that there were no mechanical failures
relating to either vehicle that contributed to the accident. Similarly, inspection of the
tractor trailer did not reveal any mechanical failures that caused or contributed to the
accident, although the airbrakes could not properly be checked because the brake lines
could not be activated.3
On completion of his investigation, Officer Palmer issued a report that included
six conclusions regarding the incident. He testified about his conclusions during the
hearing. The first conclusion is that environmental and roadway factors did not
contribute to the collision. The second and third conclusions determined the Civic and
pickup did not have any pre -collision defects that contributed to the collision. The fourth
conclusion has three subparts: a) one-half of a second before impact the tractor trailer
was moving at 53 MPH with no braking; b) one-quarter of a second before impact the
tractor trailer was moving at 53 MPH with the service brake applied; and c) at first
impact, the tractor trailer was moving at 43 MPH with the service brake applied. The fifth
and sixth conclusions state that the two decedents died as a result of blunt force trauma
sustained in the collision, that the three other victims were in injured as a result of the
collision, and that the collision occurred because Defendant "failed to react to
approaching traffic conditions." (N.T., 2/27/2017, pp. 34-43; Commonwealth's Exhibit 2,
p. 24 (unnumbered)).
Neither alcohol nor controlled substances played a part in the tragedy. (N.T.
02/27/2017, p. 54). An evaluation of Defendant's cell phone to determine whether he
3The owner of the tractor trailer, or possibly its insurer, also performed an investigation. As of the date of the omnibus hearing, the Commonwealth did not have the report. (NJ., 2/27/2-17, pp 5 and 64-65),
4 0.)._.lq./1111U11 III OUppUll Ul vrue, pUlbtleIlL LV ran.n.r. i uzoka).pui
had been using it at the time of the accident was inconclusive. (Id.). No evidence was
presented as to observations or statements of eye witnesses, if any, the manner in
which Defendant was driving before the accident, his prior activities, his physical,
mental or e motional condition, how long he had been driving that day or that week, or
his driver's log book.
After hearing the evidence and reviewing Defendant's brief and the applicable
law, we issued the challenged order which, as noted, dismissed all offenses that carry a
mens rea of recklessness. We did not dismiss the remaining summary traffic offenses
because the Commonwealth had unquestionably established a prima facie case of
those charges. The order stated, in relevant part, that:
1. Defendant's Motion for Habeas Corpus Relief is GRANTED in part and DENIED in part. The motion is GRANTED as to the counts 1 through 13 and 18, all of which charge crimes that require a mens rea of recklessness. The motion is DENIED as to counts 14 through 17, all of which charge crimes that do not require a mens rea of recklessness....
broad summary, the Commonwealth failed to In demonstrate in the evidence on record that Defendant's failure to recognize the traffic ahead of him arose from any affirmative conduct, as opposed to inadvertence or inattentiveness. While the evidence presented to the Court was sufficient to demonstrate carelessness or negligence, it did not present a basis to conclude the Defendant was engaging in any conduct that would elevate his culpability to a conscious disregard of a substantial risk to reach the requisite level of recklessness. In this regard, the Commonwealth did not file a brief to discuss the element of mens rea or point to facts which, under the law, established a prima fade case of recklessness.
(Order dated June 30, 2017, ¶1). Defendant has not challenged our denial of his motion
as to the summary traffic offenses. The Commonwealth filed this appeal.
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DISCUSSION
In its Rule 1925(b) statement, the Commonwealth provides a broad summary of
the events leading up to the collision, reiterates Officer Palmer's conclusions, and
asserts that the evidenced presented was sufficient to establish a prima facie case of
the crimes charged. We disagree.
Where a criminal defendant seeks pre-trial to challenge the prima facie
sufficiency of the Commonwealth's evidence, he may do so by filing a writ of habeas
corpus with the Court of Common Pleas. Commonwealth v. Carmody, 799 A.2d 143,
146 (Pa. Super. 2002), citing Commonwealth v. McBride, 595 A.2d 589, 590 n. 2 (Pa.
1995). In such instances, the habeas court acts in the capacity of a reviewing court to
assess whether sufficient evidence exists to require the defendant to be brought to trial.
Id. at 146-47. During the pre-trial stage of a criminal prosecution, it is not necessary for
the Commonwealth to prove a defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Rather,
the burden is on the Commonwealth to put forth merely a prima facie case of a
defendant's guilt. Commonwealth v. Huggins, 836 A.2d 862, 866 (Pa. 2003). Thus, a
petition for writ of habeas corpus is the proper means to test a pre-trial finding that the
Commonwealth possesses sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case that a
defendant committed the crimes with which he is charged. See Commonwealth v.
Saunders, 746, 691 A.2d 946, 948 (Pa. Super. 1997); Commonwealth v. Rachau, 670
A.2d 731, 734 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1996); Commonwealth v. Kowalek, 647 A.2d 948, 949 (Pa.
Super. 1994).
In order to satisfy its burden of establishing a prima facie case, the
Commonwealth need only produce legally competent evidence that demonstrates the
6 .ao_upluiluit w OUppUll Ul vwei pillW.1011i IL/ ra.rt.n.r.IUGukcii.pul
existence of each of the material elements of the crimes charged, and the existence of
facts connecting the accused to the crimes charged. Commonwealth v. Wojdak, 466
A.2d 991, 996 (Pa. 1983). The absence of evidence as to the existence of a material
element is therefore fatal. Commonwealth v. Ludwig, 874 A.2d 623, 632 (Pa. 2005),
citing Commonwealth v. Wojdak, 466 A.2d 991, 996-97 (Pa. 1983). The proof need only
be such that, if the evidence were presented at the trial court and accepted as true, the
judge would be warranted in allowing the case to go to the jury. Id. at 368, 466 A.2d at
996, quoting Commonwealth ex rel. Scolio v. Hess, 27 A. 2d 705, 707 (Pa. Super.
1942). Finally, "inferences reasonably drawn from the evidence of record which would
support a verdict of guilty are to be given effect, and the evidence must be read in the
light most favorable to the Commonwealth." Huggins, 836 A.2d at 866.
The issue presented in this matter is whether the Commonwealth made out a
prima facie case for the mens rea (recklessness) necessary to support the charges of
Homicide by Vehicle, Aggravated Assault by Vehicle, Involuntary Manslaughter, REAP,
and Reckless Driving (collectively the "Contested Charges"). For reasons stated in our
June 30, 2017 order, as amplified below, we found that it did not. Upon review prompted
by this appeal, we remain convinced that, on the record presented, our conclusion is
correct.
The Contested Charges are defined as follows:
75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3732 - Homicide by Vehicle
Any person who recklessly or with gross negligence causes the death of another person while engaged in the violation of any law of this Commonwealth or municipal ordinance applying to the operation or use of a vehicle or to the regulation of traffic except section 3802 (relating to driving under influence of alcohol or
7 QuppuiL LII viuei pUlbLidlll w
controlled substance) is guilty of homicide by vehicle, a felony of the third degree when the violation is the cause of death.
75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3732.1 - Aggravated Assault by Vehicle Any person who recklessly or with gross negligence causes serious bodily injury to another person while engaged in the violation of any law of this Commonwealth or municipal ordinance applying to the operation or use of a vehicle or to the regulation of traffic except section 3802 (relating to driving under influence of alcohol or controlled substance) is guilty of aggravated assault by vehicle, a felony of the third degree when the violation is the cause of the injury.
18 Pa.C.S.A. § 2504 - Involuntary Manslaughter
A person is guilty of involuntary manslaughter when as a direct result of the doing of an unlawful act in a reckless or grossly negligent manner, or the doing of a lawful act in a reckless or grossly negligent manner, he causes the death of another person.
18 Pa.C.S.A. § 2705 - Recklessly Endangering Another Person
A person commits a misdemeanor of the second degree if he recklessly engages in conduct which places or may place another person in danger of death or serious bodily injury.
75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3736(a) - Reckless Driving
Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.
Over the years, the elements of the Contested Charges, including the requisite
levels of culpability necessary to sustain the charges, have undergone changes. While
the elements and the language used to describe the required mens rea still differ
between the offenses, it is, at present, clear that all of the Contested Charges require
that the defendant act in a reckless manner as defined in 18 Pa.C.S.A Section
302(b)(3). See Huggins, supra (involuntary manslaughter); Commonwealth v. Grimes,
842 A.2d 432, 434 (Pa. Super. 2004) (homicide by vehicle); Commonwealth v. Bullock,
8 in ouppuil Ul l/luei pill bUi1111. tu eutei).pui
830 A.2d 998, 1002 (Pa. Super. 2003) (willful and wanton level of culpability required for
conviction for reckless driving is interpreted identically to recklessness as defined in 18
Pa.C.S.A Section 302(b)(3)); Commonwealth v. Mastromatteo, 719 A.2d 1081, 1083-84
(Pa. Super. 1998) (REAP). In addition, the terms "gross negligence" and "reckless,"
used in both the Involuntary Manslaughter and Homicide by Vehicle provisions, have
been construed by our Supreme Court as defining the same state of mind. See
Huggins, supra; Commonwealth v. Comer, 716 A.2d 593 (Pa. 1998); Commonwealth v.
Lobiondo, 462 A.2d 662, 665 (Pa. 1983).
Section 302 of the Crimes Code defines recklessness as follows:
A person acts recklessly with respect to a material element of an offense when he consciously disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the material element exists or will result from his conduct. The risk must be of such a nature and degree that, considering the nature and intent of the actor's conduct and the circumstances known to him, its disregard involves a gross deviation from the standard of conduct that a reasonable person would observe in the actor's situation.
18 Pa.C.S.A. § 302(b)(3). Conscious disregard of a risk requires that a defendant first
becomes aware of the risk and then chooses to proceed in spite of it. Huggins, 836 A.2d
at 865. To determine whether the Commonwealth presented prima fade evidence that
a defendant has acted in a reckless manner, a court must look at all the circumstances
that reveal whether or not a defendant consciously disregarded a material element of
the relevant offense. (Id.). See also 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 302(b)(3). Simple negligence, or
even "criminal negligence" as defined in Section 302(b)(4) of the Crimes Code, is
insufficient to establish the requisite state of mind or level of culpability for the contested
charges. See Huggins, supra. Along the same lines, not every violation of the vehicle
code or careless act on the highway will render an operator criminally liable for deaths
9 Jo_c/piruvii ni ouppun uI vwei puiSLIWIL lti rel.r.".r. I uzzikeipui
which may result. See Commonwealth v. Heck, 491 A.2d 212 (Pa. Super. 1985);
Commonwealth v. Trainor, 381 A.2d 944, 946-47 (Pa. Super. 1977). Similarly, not every
violation of the vehicle code elevates a traffic offense to the category or recklessness.
See Comomnwealth v. Greenberg, 885 A.2d 1025, 1026 (Pa. Super. 2005) (by itself,
driving "too fast to negotiate a curve in the road or, alternatively, fail[ing] to sufficiently
reduce [one's] speed to negotiate that curve does notftse to the level of recklessness
that is the hallmark of the offense of reckless driving").
In sum, the cited cases teach that an act of inattentiveness, carelessness, or
negligence, even criminal negligence in the statutory meaning of that term, is not
enough to establish recklessness. Instead, the defendant must be shown to have
consciously disregarded a known risk. The oft -cited case of Huggins, supra., illustrates
these principles.
In Huggins, the defendant was driving a 15 passenger van filled with 24
occupants, 21 of whom were unrestrained children. Some of the children were sitting on
the floor. While driving at least 23 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, the
defendant fell asleep, crossed the center line of the road, struck another vehicle, and
then rolled over. Tragically, two of the minors in the van died as a result of the accident.
Other occupants were injured. The defendant was charged with multiple counts of
Aggravated Assault, two counts of Involuntary Manslaughter, two counts of Homicide by
Vehicle, multiple counts of REAP, and various traffic offenses. This Court and the
Superior Court determined that the Commonwealth had failed to establish a prima facie
case of the required mens rea - recklessness or gross negligence -- to sustain the
involuntary manslaughter charge. The focus to some extent in the lower courts was
10 JO_UF/11111.111 III OUppUll Ul VIUUI pUlbualut tu u
whether the act of falling asleep, which uncontestably constituted carelessness or
negligence, rose to the level of recklessness. On appeal, the Supreme Court reversed.
The Supreme Court first reviewed and explained the law summarized above.
The Court reiterated that recklessness was required. The Court noted that falling asleep
while driving might be probative of recklessness, but declined to determine whether the
act_of falling asleep, by itself, raises a jury question_af_re_cklessness, The Court saw no
need to answer this question because there were other facts which, viewed together,
demonstrated the requisite conscious disregard of a known risk. Specifically, the
Supreme Court held that under the totality of the circumstances - falling asleep while speeding with an overloaded van full of unrestrained children - the defendant's actions constituted recklessness as defined in Section 302(b)(3) of the Crimes Code. See also
Commonwealth v. Pedota, 64 A.3d 634 (Pa. Super. 2013) (for Homicide by Vehicle and
Involuntary Manslaughter, a driver's falling asleep while operating a tractor trailer on an
interstate constitutes recklessness, unless the driver can show that he was deprived of
both the warning signs of sleep and the opportunity to bring the vehicle to a stop before
the onset of sleep).
In this case, as indicated in the order under appeal, the Commonwealth failed to
demonstrate in the evidence on record that Defendant's failure to recognize the traffic
ahead of him arose from any affirmative conduct, as opposed to inadvertence or
inattentiveness. While the evidence presented by the Commonwealth was without doubt
sufficient to demonstrate carelessness or negligence, it did not present a basis to
conclude the Defendant was engaging in any conduct that would elevate his culpability
to a conscious disregard of a substantial risk so as to reach the requisite level of
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recklessness. In addition, the Commonwealth has to date not provided any legal
support for its position.
The Commonwealth's entire case is that this fatal motor vehicle accident
occurred when, for factually unexplained reasons, Defendant failed to recognize the
slowing traffic in the travel lane in front of him and some traditional non -criminal causes
(i e_ weather, mechanical defects in the vehicles,_defe_ctsin_theroa_d, or obstructed
sight distance or visibility) have been ruled out. Under the law cited above, this is not
enough to sustain the charges that carry a mens rea of recklessness.
In this regard, the Commonwealth did not present evidence of the type that has
traditionally been deemed sufficient to raise a jury question regarding recklessness.
Defendant was not intoxicated, by drugs or alcohol, at the time of the accident. He was
not speeding; in fact, evidence indicates that he was driving just under the speed limit.
There is no evidence of Defendant's activities, state of mind or health, or physical
condition prior to the accident, and there is not even a suggestion that he was not fit to
drive. Similarly, there is no evidence that Defendant was driving erratically, was
consistently inattentive on the road, or that he violated regulations regarding the number
of hours he drove on the day or during the week of the collision or the amount of rest he
was required to have. Further, there is no claim that Defendant, like the defendants in
Huggins and Pedota, fell asleep.
Simply, the evidence established negligence, carelessness, and inattentiveness.
However, neither negligence nor the mere occurrence of an accident, even a fatal
accident, without more, is enough under the current law to establish or raise a
permissible inference of recklessness sufficient to support the Contested Charges.
12 002.11J1111U11 ni ouppuit ui vuuei purbudin w rd.r..n.r. JLOcc1).}JUI
In sum, despite the tragic nature of this case, on the record presented we were
constrained to hold that the Commonwealth failed to establish the requisite mens rea for
the Contested Charges.
BY TH OURT,
DATE: 71111 -t -7- AT N MARK,
Clerk of Courts Cc: Superior Court of Pennsylvania Jonathan Mark, J. SEP 11'17 pm2:01 District Attorney (CR) Public Defender (CB)