Com. v. Fair, E. ( 2016 )

J-S42022-16
NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
PENNSYLVANIA
Appellee
v.
ELIZABETH MAE FAIR
Appellant No. 1411 WDA 2015
Appeal from the Judgment of Sentence March 19, 2015
In the Court of Common Pleas of Westmoreland County
Criminal Division at No(s): CP-65-CR-0000587-2013
BEFORE: SHOGAN, J., OTT, J., and FITZGERALD, J.*
MEMORANDUM BY OTT, J.: FILED OCTOBER 13, 2016
Elizabeth Mae Fair brings this appeal from the judgment of sentence,
imposed on March 19, 2015, in the Court of Common Pleas of Westmoreland
County. Fair was sentenced to serve an aggregate term of five to 10 years’
imprisonment followed by a five year probationary term, after she was
convicted by a jury of conspiracy to commit aggravated assault and
endangering the welfare of children, and endangering the welfare of
children.1 The victim in this case is the infant daughter of Fair and her co-
defendant, Christopher Lawrence Peterman.2 Fair challenges the sufficiency
____________________________________________
*
Former Justice specially assigned to the Superior Court.
1
See 18 Pa.C.S. §§ 903(a)(1) and 4303, respectively.
2
Peterman was tried with Fair and convicted of aggravated assault,
conspiracy to commit aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of
(Footnote Continued Next Page)
J-S42022-16
of the evidence, the weight of the evidence, and the discretionary aspects of
her sentence — all with regard solely to her conviction for conspiracy to
commit aggravated assault.3 Based upon the following, we affirm on the
basis of the trial court’s sound opinion.
The Honorable Meagan Bilik-DeFazio has set forth the procedural
history and an extensive discussion of the facts of this case and, therefore,
we need not restate them here. See Trial Court Opinion, 8/17/2015, at 1–
15. Briefly, the three-month old victim suffered numerous severe injuries
while under the care of Peterson and Fair.4 The injuries were discovered
after Peterson and Fair brought the victim to Westmoreland Hospital on
October 20, 2012. An emergency room doctor called Dr. Rachel Berger, a
pediatrician and Division Chief for the Division of Child Advocacy at
_______________________
(Footnote Continued)
children, and endangering the welfare of children. See 18 Pa.C.S. §§
2702(a)(1), 903(a)(1) and 4303, respectively. Peterman has filed an appeal
which is listed consecutively to this appeal. Commonwealth v. Peterman,
1412 WDA 2015, J-S42023-16.
3
The trial court did not order Fair to file a concise statement of errors
complained of on appeal, pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Appellate
Procedure 1925(b). On September 30, 2015, the trial court filed a Rule
1925(a) statement, relying on its opinion filed August 17, 2015, which
accompanied the order denying Fair’s post-sentence motions.
4
On July 20, 2012, the victim was born prematurely, and was hospitalized
after her birth. Fair and Peterman learned how to perform CPR and use the
oxygen and monitor the victim required. On September 24, 2012, the victim
was discharged from the hospital with a pulse oximeter, which kept track of
her oxygen levels, and an A&B monitor, which kept track of her heart rate
and breaths. See Trial Court Opinion, 8/17/2015, at 2 n.1.
-2-
J-S42022-16
Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, who was on-call for the Child Protection
Team, for consultation regarding child abuse concerns. The charges against
Fair arose following an investigation by state police upon receiving a report
from Westmoreland County Children’s Bureau regarding suspected child
abuse by Peterman and Fair.
Judge Bilik-DeFazio has provided a 24-page opinion that fully
addresses the issues raised in this appeal. See Trial Court Opinion,
8/17/2015, (explaining: (1) There was sufficient evidence that Fair entered
into an agreement with Peterman to commit aggravated assault, where
forcible trauma was inflicted upon the victim, where Fair and Peterman
always maintained they were always the victim’s only caretakers and the
victim was a healthy and fracture-free infant when she left the hospital,
where Fair and Peterman were aware the victim was having multiple
“medical episodes” that required CPR between October 17–20, 2012, and
told each other about the episodes but decided not to seek medical care, and
where Dr. Berger5 testified that the victim’s multiple rib fractures could not
have been the result of CPR performed on her, that the history of the fall
from the bassinet could not account for all the victim’s injuries, and that it
would not have been possible for Fair and Peterman to be unaware that the
____________________________________________
5
Dr. Rachel Berger, a pediatrician and Division Chief for the Division of Child
Advocacy at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, testified as an expert in
pediatrics and child abuse. Trial Court Opinion, 8/17/2015, at 4.
-3-
J-S42022-16
victim’s forearms and femur were fractured or that the victim was in a
tremendous amount of pain; (2) Fair’s acquittal on the aggravated assault
charge did not preclude a conviction for conspiracy to commit aggravated
assault, and the court does not believe the jury’s verdict is so contrary as to
shock the court’s sense of justice, and (3) Fair’s sentence of 5–10 years’
imprisonment on Count 2, conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, which
falls above the aggravated range,6 is warranted under the facts and
circumstances of this case, and the reasons were set forth on the record at
the time of sentencing.)
Based on our review, we find no error of law or abuse of discretion by
the trial court. Furthermore, in light of the trial court’s thorough and cogent
discussion, no further elaboration is warranted by this Court. Accordingly,
we adopt the trial court’s opinion authored in support of its decision to deny
Fair’s post-sentence motions as dispositive of the issues raised in this
appeal.7
Judgment of sentence affirmed.
____________________________________________
6
Fair had a prior record score of zero, and the applicable offense gravity
score is ten: The standard range is 22–36 months, minus or plus 12 months
for the mitigated and aggravated ranges. The statutory maximum was 20
years’ imprisonment. See 18 Pa.C.S. § 1103.
7
In the event of further proceedings, parties are directed to attach a copy of
the trial court’s opinion to this memorandum.
-4-
J-S42022-16
Judgment Entered.
Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.
Prothonotary
Date: 10/13/2016
-5-
Received 01/26/2016Circulated 08/23/2016
Superior Court 02:27
Western PM
District
Filed 01/22/2016 Superior Court Western District
1411 WDA 2015
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
- CRIMINAL DMSION
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA )
)
VS. ) NO. 587 C 2013
)
ELIZABETH MAE FAIR )
OPINION AND ORDER OF COURT
The above-captioned case is before this Court for disposition of Defendant's Post-Sentence Motions
filed pursuant to Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure 720(B). The defendant, Elizabeth Mae Fair
· (hereinafter "Defendant") was charged with the following crimes:
Count 1- Aggravated Assault, 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 2702(a)(l ), 1st degree felony.
Count 2- Criminal Conspiracy-Aggravated Assault and/or Endangering the
Welfare of Children, 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 903(a)(I), 1st degree felony.
Count 3- Endangering the Welfare of Children, 18 Pa.C.S.A. 4304(a)(l), 3rd degree
felony.
The charges stem from an investigation by Pennsylvania State Police (hereinafter "PSP") Trooper
Todd Adamski (hereinafter "Tpr, Adamski") into the report received from Westmoreland County
Children's Bureau (hereinafter "WCCB") regarding suspected child physical abuse of Defendant and
Co-Defendant, Christopher Lawrence Peterman's (hereinafter "Peterman"), infant, E.P. The initial
report indicated that WCCB received a report from ChildLine regarding an infant that was transported
to Westmoreland Hospital for treatment, and, because of the injuries, the infant was then flown via
helicopter from Westmoreland Hospital to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh (hereinafter "CHP"). Tpr.
Adamski spoke with E.P. 's attending doctor, who informed him ofE.P.'s injuries. Tpr. Adamski was
ad vised that both of E.P.' s right .and left ulna bones were broken and that they were healing at different
stages, her right femur was broken at an uncommon location, she had multiple rib fractures, a
pulmonary contusion caused from trauma, laceration of her spleen, contusions on both lungs, a right
temporal skull fracture, and that, her sustained injuries were near fatal. After speaking with ~.P. 's
doctors and her nurse, a WCCB caseworker, and both of E.P. 's parents, who provided statements, Tpr.
Adamski obtained and executed a search warrant of the family's residence.
Page 1 of24
As a result of his investigation, Tpr. Adamski filed the above-referenced charges against Defendant.
Following Defendant's arrest, Magisterial District Judge Jason Buczak conducted a Preliminary
Hearing on February 7, 2013, and held the case for court. On AprilS, 2013, the Corrunonwealth filed a
Notice to Consolidate with the case of Commonwealth v. Christopher Lawrence Peterman, 600 C 2013.
On April 18, 2013, Defendant's Petition for Nominal Bond was DENIED by Judge John E. Blahovec.
Defendant's second Petition for Nominal Bond was DENIED by Judge Blahovec on December 2, 2013.
Jury selection corrunenced on December 1, 2014, and a trial by jury was conducted on December 2,
2014, through December 5, 2014.
On December 5, 2014, Defendant was found guilty of Count 2, Criminal Conspiracy to Commit
Aggravated Assault and Endangering the Welfare of Children, and Count 3, Endangering the Welfare
of Children. Defendant was found not guilty of Count 1, Aggravated Assault. At that time, bond was
revoked, a Pre-Sentence Investigation was ordered, and a Sentencing Hearing was to be scheduled
within ninety (90) days.
On March 19, 2015, after a Sentencing Hearing was held, at Count 2, Defendant was sentenced to a
state correctional institution for a period of not less than five (5) years nor more than ten (10) years,
followed by five (5) years consecutive state probation. At Co.unt 3, Defendant was sentenced to a
period of not less than eighteen (18) months nor more than thirty-six (36) months, concurrent to Count
2. Defendant was determined to be RRRI eligible at fifty (50) months and was given credit for time
served. Defendant timely filed the following Post-Sentence Motions:
.
I. Motion for Judgment of Acquittal at Count 2: Conspiracy.
IL Motion to Modify Sentence.
III. Weight of the Evidence.
FACTS
At approximately 3:55 p.m., on October 20, 2012, Westmoreland Hospital Emergency Department
Registered Nurse Carolyn Yoder began treating three (3) month old E.P .1 when she was brought into the
1 On July 20, 2012, 30 weeks into Defendant's pregnancy, E.P. was born premature at Westmoreland Hospital. N.T.
December 1-5, 2014, p. 609-610 (To decrease the length of each citation, the notes of testimony regarding the trial will
hereafter be referred to as ''N.T."). ·As a result of her prematurity, E.P. 's lungs and brain were underdeveloped and thus E.P.
was transported to West Penn Hospital, where she stayed for a month and a half. N.T. 610-611. E.P. was then transferred to
the Children's Home where Defendant and Peterman were able to stay withEP. while they learned how to use the oxygen
and monitors that E.P. required. N.T. 611. E.P. was discharged home to Defendant and Peterman from the Children's Home
Page 2 of24
emergency room by her parents, Defendant and Peterman. N.T. December 1-5, 2014, 343"-344.2 Ms.
Yoder testified that both parents were present and provided the information that E.P. was sick during the
day, that the parents bad done CPR on E.P. twice, that the bassinet had fallen on E.P., and the parents
brought E.P. to the hospital. N.T. 345. Ms. Yoder observed that E.P. was very pale and dusky, that her
lips were blue, she had a bluish/white tint to all of her extremities, she was cool to the touch, her oxygen
saturation was in the 80's,3 and that, aitlio~gh E.P. was trying to cry, it was a very weak cry. N.T. 345-
346. Ms. Yoder recalled that both parents stayed off in the distance from the hospital staff which, based
on her experience, was abnormal. N.T. 346. Admittedly though, Ms. Yoder did not know Defendant and
Peterman prior to this incident and Ms. Yoder testified that it wouldn't be unusual for parents who love a
child to be in shock when their baby is very sick. N.T. 351-352. Ms. Yoder testified that, when the
hospital staff was undressing E.P., when she noticed that E.P. 's right thigh was at least two (2) to three (3)
times more swollen than the left thigh, one of the parents remarked that E.P. 's diaper may have been too
tight. N.T. 348.
Shortly after 4:09 p.m., Westmoreland Hospital Emergency Department Physician Dr. John Peoples"
joined in the treatment of E.P. N.T. 391-392-, Dr. Peoples testified that E.P. immediately presented with
difficulty in breathing and, due to the severity of E.P. 's injuries, Dr. Peoples was only able to speak to
Defendant and Peterman for a short period oftime.5 N.T. 392. Defendant and Peterman provided a brief
birth history, Peterman relayed concern regarding a bassinet collapse four (4) days prior, and Defendant
advised that, on that day, four (4) days prior, E.P. had a period of twenty (20) to thirty (30) seconds where
she was not breathing and they initiated CPR.6 N.T. 392. Upo~ initial examination, Dr. Peoples testified
that, E.P. presented with respiratory distress, a frontal hematoma over the front of the scalp, and swelling,
redness, and enlargement of the right leg. N.T. 395-396. X-rays showed multiple rib fractures on both the
left and right sides, a mid-shaft femur fracture, and radius and ulna fractures on both arms. N.T. 398-399.
Dr. Peoples testified that there was some varying ages to the radius and ulna fractures. N.T. 400.
~n September 24, 2012. N.T .. 611-612. Although E.P. was discharged home, E.P. required a pulse oximeter, which kept
track of her oxygen levels, and an A&B monitor, which kept track of her heart rate and breaths. N.T. 613. IfE.P. quit
breathing or breathed too fast for a certain amount of time, or, if her heartbeat was too low or too high, the A&B monitor
would go off. N.T. 613. ··
2
The Trial in this matter occurred from December 1-5, 2014.
3 Ms. Yoder testified that a normal, healthy infant would have between 95-100 oxygen saturation levels. N. T. 346.
4
Dr. Peoples testified as an expert in emergency medicine. N.T. 390.
5 Dr. Peoples testified that he spoke to Defendant and Peterman at the same time for maybe five (5) to ten (10) minutes. N.T.
410-411,'412.
6 Dr. Peoples testified that Defendant and Peterman only told him of one incident in which CPR was performed on E.P. by
the parents. N.T. 395.
Page 3 of24
Based upon E.P. 's significant difficulty breathing and the concern for injury and trauma, Dr. Peoples
decided to intubate E.P., transfer her care to CHP, which provides a higher level of care for more severe
patients, and Children and Youth Services were consulted regarding the concern for non-accidental
trauma. N.T. 397-398, 401. Dr. Peoples explained that the femur fracture and the rib fractures arefairly
uncommon fractures for a three-month old child, and that, because children's bones are fairly compliant
and tend to bend, the rib fractures are uncommon even if CPR is performed. N.T. 401, 403. Additionally,
Dr. Peoples testified that it is rare to see multiple rib fractures on both sides or mid-shaft femur fractures
that are separated, which is what he saw with E.P. N.T. 403. Dr. Peoples described E.P.'s condition as
critical and he opined that a single impact would not account for the injuries that he observed in E.P. N.T.
408-409.
E.P. was intubated and flown by helicopter to CHP. N.T. 398. Dr. Rachel Berger, a pediatrician and
the Division Chief for the Division of Child Advocacy at CHP, who has dealt with thousands of child
abuse cases in her career, testified as an expert in pediatrics and child abuse. N.T. 190-191, 196, 297. Dr.
Berger became involved in E.P. 's case when one of the emergency room physicians, who examined E.P.
and who was concerned about child abuse, called Dr. Berger, who was on-call for the Child Protection
Team, to consult regarding the concerns. N.T. 197, 200. After the consult, Dr. Berger looked at the
electronic medical records, reviewed the x-rays with the radiologist, and spoke to Defendant and Peterman
in a conference room at the hospital. N.T. 200.
During the consultation with both Defendant and Peterman present, Dr. Berger asked the parents to tell
her the last time E.P. was her usual self and there was nothing wrong with E.P. N.T. 203. Defendant told
Dr. Berger that E.P. was well until October 18th. N.T. 203. Defendant reported that she was home with
E.P. alone when the A&B monitor went off. N.T. 203. Defendant stated that she left the kitchen, went in
the other part of the trailer, which was only a few feet away, and stimulated E.P. by rubbing her chest and
pinching her toe, but E.P. did not respond. N.T. 204. Defendant then gave E.P. CPR and, after two (2) or
three (3) breaths, E.P. spit up some formula, began breathing, and, because E.P. seemed fine, Defendant
took no further action. N.T. 204-205. Defendant reported that Peterman came home from work a few
hours later and, because Defendant and Peterman discussed that E.P. was okay, neither felt medical
treatment was necessary. N.T. 205.
7 Dr Berger explained that an A&B monitor is an apnea and bradycardia monitor, that alarms if the heart stops or if someone
stops breathing for a certain amount of time, so tbat the parents will know that something is wrong and can stimulate the
baby. N.T. 203-204. In that E.P. was premature, her respiratory system wasn't mature and thus, E.P. was sent home with
the monitor. N.T. 203.
Page 4 of24
Defendant advised Dr. Berger that E.P. was fine on October 19th, but, in the late afternoon on October
20th, E.P.'s monitor went off right after Peterman fed E.P. N.T. 205. Both Defendant and Peterman
walked over to E.P. and when they saw that her lips were blue, her eyes were closed, and E.P. was not
responsive, Peterman pinched E.P. 's toe and gave her CPR. N.T. 205-206. Peterman said that E.P. jerked,
began to cry, and then seemed to be fine. N.T. 206. Neither parent did anything further until Defendant,
while putting E.P. 's sleeper on, noticed E.P.' s swollen leg. N. T. 206. Defendant said the swollen leg
wasn't bothering E.P., but the parents called the pediatrician who told them to go to the emergency room,
which they did. N.T. 206.
Although neither Defendant nor Peterman initially brought. up the issue of the bassinet falling, when
Dr. Berger asked them about any other trauma or the specific injuries, Peterman brought up the bassinet
issue. N.T. 206. Peterman.reported that on October 1 i\ which was the day before the first event that
Defendant reported, Peterman heard E.P. whimpering around 3:30 in the morning. N.T. 206. Peterman
said that he immediately woke up and noticed that the bassinet8 had fallen from itself. N.T. 206-207.
Peterman stated that the screws broke and the bassinet fell onto the oxygen tank that was underneath the
bassinet carrier and on top of the cloth shelf. N.T. 207. Peterman explained that E.P. did not fall out of the
bassinet carrier, but that the bassinet carrier had fallen and kind of turned. N.T. 207. They had the actual
bassinet with them and Dr. Berger testified that the "fall distance" would have been about eight (8)
inches.9 N.T. 207, 510. Peterman reported that E.P. was awake and didn't seem hurt so they took the
.·.
bassinet carrier out and put it on the floor. N.T. 207. Neither parent sought medical attention for E.P. ·after
that incident. N.T. 207.
Dr. Berger physically examined E.P. in the pediatric intensive care unit on October 22, 2012. N.T.
10
213, 222. Upon examination, E.P. was sedated, intubated on 100 percent oxygen, on cardiac support.t'
she required a blood transfusion, and was on about as much support as someone can possibly be on
without being on ECMO. N.T. 226, 271. Dr. Berger testified that, without the pressor support or the
8 The bassinet was admitted into evidence without objection. N.T. p. 498. The bassinet consists of two separate apparatus, the
bassinet carrier; within which the child would be placed, and the metal frame. N.T. p. 499. When extended, the metal frame
looks like a V-sbape, but when not extended, it folds up similar to an accordion. N.T. 502. When extended to the proper level,
there are two plastic clips that clip onto the metal frame, one on each side, to secure the bassinet carrier to the frame. N.T. 502.
There is also a cloth-type shelf underneath the bassinet on the frame which is where E.P. 's oxygen tank was located. N.T. 501.
9 Tpr. Adamski testified that the "fall distance" was between eight (8) to ten (10) inches. N.T. 510.
10 Dr. Berger testified that, normally, the air is 21 percent oxygen and the most that can be given to someone is 100 percent
oxygen, which is what E.P. was on. N.T. 226. Dr. Berger further testified that they don't normally like to give 100 percent
oxygen because it is toxic, particularly for infants, but E·.P. needed that level of oxygen because E.P. wasn't breathing well at
all. N.T. 226. .
11 Dr. Berger testified that E.P.'s heart wasn't pumping properly so E.P. was on pressers (epinephrine or norepinephrine)almost
constantly to keep the heart pumping in order to support it. N.T. 226.
Page 5 of24
external oxygen, E.P. would have stopped breathing and died. N.T. 226. E.P. was so sick and her illness
so severe that Dr. Berger was unable to do some of the things that she would normally do to examine an
infant, such as looking in the mouth and turning the infant over to check the back and skin. N.T. 213. In
addition to the necessary support, E.P. presented with multiple fractures at different stages of healing,
including more than twenty (20) rib fractures, a metapbyseal femur fracture 12, an acute transverse femur
fracture in the right leg, a very large, fairly acute, fracture of the parietal bone in the skull, the right arm
had an acute+' radius fracture, and the left arm had both subacute14 radius and ulna fractures. N.T. 225,
227, 231, _248, 272, 3 99. E.P. also had perisplenic and retroperitoneal hematoma, the blood in the back,
and possible splenic laceration, four small subdural hemorrhage and extradural hematoma, _a single retina
hemorrhage in her eye, and five contusions or bruising at the base of the lungs. 240, 246, 266-267, 270,
272, 273.
Throughout the family, medical, and social history that both parents provided to Dr. Berger, neither
parent provided any significant history which would account for or provide an explanation for E.P.'s
injuries. N.T. 203-213. Dr. Berger testified that the hospital tested E.P. for oxygenesis imperfecta, which
is a rare disease that causes children's bones to fracture more easily, but E.P. tested negative for that
genetic disease. N.T. 229-230. Additionally, the hospital conducted multiple lab tests which could
indicate another reason for E.P. 's injuries, but all of the lab reports that Dr. Berger reviewed did not
provide an explanation for the trauma that E.P. sustained. N.T. 230. Dr. Berger explained that, based on
her evaluation, E.P. looked like a child that had been injured but not a child that had an underlying
medical problem. N.T. 230-231.
Dr. Berger explained that the more than twenty (20) rib fractures15 were healing in at least three
different stages. N.T. 267-268. Dr. Berger testified that, the metaphyseal femur :fracture has great
signific~ce because there is no accidental way to cause that type of injury. N.T. 252. Other than a
breeched baby where the doctor yanks the baby out, the only other known mechanism that can cause that
type of injury is child abuse. N.T. 252. Dr. Berg~r also explained that the metaphyseal femur fracture
would have had to occur before the acute transverse femur fracture, but not at the same time. N.T. 256-
258. Lastly, Dr. Berger explained that a transverse fracture is incredibly painful and one of the most
painful fractures and, even changing a diaper· on a baby with that kind of fracture, would be incredibly
12
13
off.
Dr. Berger explained that this fracture is essentially the growth plate on the femur being ripped N.T. 251-252.
"Acute" means that the injury is new and you don't see healing. N.T. 248.
14 "Subacute" means that there is some evidence of healing which means that it is probably more than three (3) days old, but
probably less than seven (7) days old. N.T. 249.
5 Some of the rib fractures were lateral, anterior, and some were posterior. N.T. 262.
Page 6 of24
uncomfortable. N.T. 258. Regarding the posterior rib fractures, Dr. Berger explained that those types of
rib fractures are almost only from a squeezing and twisting, which are almost pathologic of abuse. N.T.
276-~77. Additionally, Dr. Berger explained that you almost never get rib fractures from CPR, even in
children and babies, regardless of whether the CPR is being performed by a professional or lay person.
N.T. 277.
When questioned by Dr. Berger regarding any other possible caretakers for E.P., both parents
reiterated that they were the only caretakers for E.P. N.T. 212. Ultimately, based upon all of the
information that Dr. Berger reviewed, her examination ofE.P., the history that she obtained, and all of the
radiographic images that she reviewed, including the follow-up information, Dr. Berger opined that E.P. 's
constellation of injuries were the result of child physical abuse which occurred on more than one
occassion, that the injuries werelife threatening, that E.P. did not have any underlying medical condition
which would cause the injuries, that, although E.P. was premature, E.P., s bones may be slightly weaker
than a full-te~m infant, but that would not account for the injuries and would require significant force even
in a premature baby. N.T. 273.
Dr. Berger also opined that the history of the fall from the bassinet could have accounted for one of the
injuries, but that it did not account for all of the injuries, and that, E.P. was in significant pain at the time
the fractures occurred. N.T. 273. Dr. Berger testified that it is not possible for an adult who is caring for
her when both the bones in E.P. 's forearms were fractured to not know something was wrong and that it's
not possible that E.P. was not in pain when the femur was :fractured because it would be extremely painful
when it occurred and afterwards. N.T. 273. Dr. Berger stated that the lack of seeking medical attention for
E.P.'s injuries, as well as for the event in which Defendant gave chest compressions and rescue breaths,
constitutes medical neglect. N.T. 273: Dr. Berger also explained that, after E.P. was in foster care, Dr.
Berger did see her at the hospital and all of the fractures had healed and E.P. had no additional fractures at
that time. N.T. 281. Dr. Berger concluded that there would be no other explanation ofE.P.'s injuries other
than her diagnosis of child abuse. N.T. 282.
The WCCB became involved in this case when the on-call caseworker Amie Skalak (hereinafter "Ms.
Skalak") received a referral from Childl.ine, the child abuse registry in Pennsylvania, regarding E.P. at
approximately 7:08 p.m. on October 20, 2012. N.T. 131-132, 142. At approximately 10:14 p.m., after
speaking to a social worker at CHP by telephone, Ms. Skalak testified that she spoke to Peterman by
telephone. N,T. 133. Peterman provided identifying information and, after Ms. Skalak made Peterman
aware of the injuries reported in the Child.Line referral, Peterman reported that E.P.'s injuries were likely
Page 7 of24
from a bassinet fall. N.T. 135, 147-149. Peterman reported to Ms. Skolak that E.P. was in an accordion
style bassinet which utilizes two pins to hold the unit together. N.T. 135. Peterman stated that when one
of the pins broke, the bassinet, with E.P. in it, fell onto a canopy below the bassinet which housed E.P.' s
oxygen tank. N.T. 135. When that occurred, E.P. was fussing, but had no visible marks, no swelling, and
E.P. continued to eat well. N. T. 13 5.
Otherwise, Peterman reported an incident which occurred approximately three days prior where, after
feeding E.P., E.P. started to burp up, then she quit breathing, and Defendant performed CPR. N.T. 135.
Ms. Skolak advised Peterman that she was required to see E.P. at the hospital and to meet with him and
Defendant within twenty-four (24) hours of the report. N.T. 136. Although Peterman gave Ms. Skolak a
time that he ..and Defendant would be at CHP the following day, when Ms. Skolak arrived at CHP on
October 21, 2014, within the time frame that Peterman said they would be at the hospital, Defendant and
Peterman were not there. N.T. 136-139. Ms. Skolak was not able to meet with Defendant and Peterman
in-person and, thereafter, the case was transferred to WCCB assessment caseworker Brandy Trout
(hereinafter "Ms. Trout"). N.T. 138-140.
Ms. Trout testified that she was assigned the case to conduct the investigation regarding the ChildLine
referral on October 22, 2012 and that she made arrangements to go to E.P. 's home. N.T. 152. Ms. Trout,
along with a couple state troopers, met with Defendant and Peterman in their home in New Alexandria,
Pennsylvania on October 23, 2012.16 N.T. 153-154. Ms .. Trout testified that the home, which is a trailer, is
located within walking distance to multiple residences, one of which is Peterman's father's residence.
N.T. 153. While Ms. Trout was in the home, Peterman reported to her that on October 17, 2012, while
Defendant was sleeping in the bedroom, Peterman was sleeping in the living room with E.P. in the
bassinet in the same room. N.T. 156 .. Around 3:00 or 4:00 a.m., Peterman awoke and E.P. was making a
whimpering noise, but not crying. N.T. 156. Peterman reported that he checked E.P.'s apnea monitor, but
it was not going off. N.T. 156. After seeing that the bassinet was resting on its right side, with the left end
-
still connected to the frame and the other side down, and that the two pins from the frame were bent, the
position of which Peterman demonstrated for Ms. Trout, Peterman stated that he picked up E.P., who was
fussing and whimpering, from the bassinet. N.T. 156-157. Peterman told Ms. Trout that E.P. calmed
instantly as Peterman rubbed E.P. 's back and that E.P. looked fine with no marks. N. T. 157. Peterman
reported that he then placed E.P. back in the bassinet carrier and moved it to the couch because that was
where Peterman was sleeping for the night. N.T. 157.
· 16 Both Defendant and Peterman voluntarily spoke with Ms. Trout and the troopers. N.T. 166.
Page 8 of24
While Peterman was in the living room assembling the bassinet and equipment for the troopers as they
were photographing things, Ms. Trout and Tpr. Adamski spoke with Defendant in the parents' bedroom:
N.T. 157-158. Defendant reported to Ms. Trout that Def~-9-dant remembered waking up in bed in their
bedroom on October 17, 2012, around 11 :00 p.m., with Peterman next to her and E.P. in the bassinet on
the wooden chair in front of the dresser. N.T. 158-159, 166. Defendant stated that after she put a bottle in
the microwave, Defendant changed E.P. 's diaper and did not notice anything wrong with E.P. on October
17,2012.N.T.159.
Defendant told Ms. Trout that, on October 18, 2012, around 7:30 p.m., when Defendant was in the
kit~hen, E.P. 's apnea monitor went off. N.T. 159, 167, 178. Defendant ran back, flipped on the lights and
saw that E.P. 's lips were blue. N. T. 167. Defendant put her hand on E.P. 's chest and after Defendant's
attempts to rock E.P. awake showed no results, Defendant squeezed E.P. 's toes as Defendant had been
taught to do at the hospital. N.T. 167. After E.P. still did not respond and with her head hung back and
lifeless, Defendant took E.P.'s clothes and monitor off and performed CPR on E.P. N.T. 159, 167. E.P.
then burped up some formula and, to Defendant, E.P. seemed okay. N. T. 167. Defendant told Ms. Trout
that Peterman was not home on that day, and that, because Defendant didnot have a phone, Defendant did
not call Peterman. N.T. 159,169.
Defendant reported that E.P. was fine on October 19th, but on October 20, 2012, around 2:00 or 3:00
p.m., after just being fed and while in the bassinet, E.P.'s alarm went off. N.T. 159. Defendant stated that
. E.P. was unresponsive so Peterman put E.P. on the bed and performed CPR. N.T. 159. When Ms. Trout
asked Defendant when Defendant realized that something was wrong with E.P., Defendant told Ms. Trout
that, while she was dressing E.P., Defendant noticed that E.P. 's right leg was swollen, so after calling the
pediatrician, they were told to take E.P. to the hospital. N.T. 159.
When Ms. Trout questioned Defendant and Peterman regarding E.P. not being taken to the hospital on
the 18th after Defend~t had performed CPR on E.P., Defendant and Peterman told Ms. Trout that,
together, they made the decision to not seek medical treatment for or to take E.P. to the hospital because
E.P. had no noticeable. injuries. N. T. 160-161. When questioned regarding any additional caregivers other
than Defendant and Peterman, for E.P ., Defendant told Ms. Trout that although a paternal aunt was around
E.P. while the parents did laundry with the paternal aunt, paternal aunt was never alone with E.P. N.T.
160.
Tpr. Adamski was the primary State Trooper investigating this case. N.T. 469. After receiving a call
from WCCB caseworker Amie Skalak, Tpr. Adamski traveled to CHP to begin the investigation. N.T.
Page 9 of24
470. Tpr. Adamski spoke to all of the treating physicians, the WCCB caseworkers involved in the case,
and Defendant and Peterman. N.T. 470-477. The first time Peterman spoke to Tpr. Adamski was on
October 21, 2012. N.T. 477. Peterman reported that he worked at his father's garage at the trailer park
where Peterman and Defendant's trailer was located. N.T. 476. During that interview, Peterman told Tpr.
Adamski that, at the time of the October 17th incident, Peterman was sleeping on a couch in the living
room with E.P. in her bassinet, while Defendant slept in their bedroom. N.T. 477-478. When Peterman
woke up because E.P. was fussing and he saw that the bassinet had fallen, Peterman woke Defendant up
and they both checked on her before they went back to bed. N.T. 478-479. Peterman reported that the
following day, on October 18th, when he arrived home around 10:00 p.m., Defendant was upset and
reported to Peterman that the monitor went off and E.P. was not breathing. N.T. 480. Peterman reported
that Defendant told him that Defendant gave E.P. C.P.R. and E.P. became responsive again. N.T. 480.
Peterman stated that the following day, on October 19th, E.P. was fine. N.T. 480. Peterman told Tpr.
Adamski that, on October 20th, E.P. 's alarm went off around 1 :30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and, during that
incident, Peterman performed C.P.R. on E.P. before they called the pediatrician and ultimately transported
E.P. to Westmoreland Hospital. N.T. 481-482.
Tpr. Adamski testified that Peterman said that only Defendant and Peterman took care ofE.P. N.T.
486. After that, Tpr. Adamski interviewed Defendant. N.T. 488. Defendant stated that she was a stay-at-
home mom. N.T. 488. Regarding the October 17th incident, Defendant reported that she was sleeping in
the bedroom and Peterman and E.P. were sleeping in the living room. N:T. 489. Defendant stated that
Peterman told her, in the morning, that the bassinet broke and fell over, that Peterman checked on E.P.,
and E.P. seemed fine. N.T. 489. Defendant's report regarding October 18th, 19th, and 20th was essentially
consistent with previous reports. N.T. 489-491. Defendant told Tpr. Adamski that she did not mishandle
E.P., even accidentally. N.T. 491. Defendant also reported that she and Peterman were the only caregivers
for E.P. N.T. 492. After Defendant and Peterman provided conflicting stories regarding October 17th, Tpr.
Adamski spoke to Peterman again and made him aware of the conflict; however, Peterman did not
respond or correct Tpr. Adamski. N.T. 492-493.
Tpr. Adamski stated that Defendant and Peterman' s trailer measured approximately 52 by 14 feet
wide, and that, the trailer was thinly insulated. N. T. 516. When Tpr. Adamski was present during the
interview with Defendant and Peterman at the residence and the other state troopers were there, Tpr.
Adamski did not have a problem hearing people in other parts of the trailer. N. T. 516.
Page 10 of24
PSP Corporal David Leonard (hereinafter "Cpl. Leonard") testified that he assisted Tpr. Adamski with
suspect interviews related to this case. N.T. 416. Cpl. Leonard stated that he interviewed Defendant on
October 30, 2012 at the PSP Kiski barracks. N.T. 417. When he questioned Defendant regarding whether
she had done anything even accidentally to contribute to E.P. 's injuries, Defendant stated that she did not.
N.T. 418. Cpl. Leonard testified that there were numerous inconsistencies in Defendant's rendition of the
events which could have caused E.P.'s injuries. N.T. 417-418. Importantly, when Cpl. Leonard asked
Defendant if there were any other incidents which could have caused E.P. 's injuries, Defendant reported
that there was a second bassinet collapse sometime between October 1st and 1 i\ but before October 17th.
N.T. 423. Defendant reported that the incident occurred while Defendant was in the shower and Peterman
was with E.P. N.T. 423. That was significant because it was the first time anyone reported a second
bassinet collapse.
Cpl. Leonard testified that he also assisted Tpr. Adamski with interviewing Peterman on November 5,
2012 at PSP Kiski barracks. N.T. 423. When he asked Peterman regarding whether he had done anything
even accidentally to contribute to E.P. 's injuries, Peterman stated that he did not. N.T. 424. When
Peterman described the bassinet incident on the rz", Peterman told Cpl. Leonard that, after the bassinet
fell, E.P. was facing downward, lying on the oxygen tank. N.T. 425. Additionally, Peterman stated that he
took E. P. into the parents' bedroom where Defendant was sleeping, placed E.P. in the bassinet, and they
went to sleep. N.T. 425. Cpl. Leonard noted that Peterman's description was inconsistent with prior
statements that he had provided. Peterman also, for the first time, told Cpl. Leonard about a second
bassinet collapse in which he claimed he caught the bassinet before it completely fell and E.P. did not fall
from it, and aboutthe parents having a black lab who gets excited whenE.P.'s alarm goes off. N.T. 426-
427.
Dr. Dwayne Shuhart, a physician at Children's Community Pediatrics in Blairsville, Pennsylvania,
testified as an expert in pediatrics. N.T. 317-320. Dr. Shuhart examined E.P. on several occasions for
check-ups at the Blairsville office. N.T. 322. Defendant and Peterman took E.P. to her first visit with Dr.
Shuhart on September 25, 2012. N.T. 322-323. At that visit, Dr. Shuhart conducted a head-to-toe
assessment of E.P., which included feeling the belly, listening to the lungs, manipulation of the hips by
bending the legs out and back a couple times and touching the head to check the fontanel and anterior
fontanel. N.T. 324-325. Other than being a normal, newborn pre-term baby who had some bradycardia,
Dr. Shuhart testified that E.P. was within normal limits and the assessment was unremarkable. N.T. 326.
Page 11 of24
Defendant and Peterman took E.P. to her second visit, a scheduled follow-up, with Dr. Shuhart on
October 9, 2012. N.T. 326-327. Dr. Shuhart testified that he conducted the same head-to-toe assessment
ofE.P. which required manipulation ofE.P.'s body in the same manner as the first visit. N.T. 328. Again,
the assessment resulted in E P. being within normal limits. N.T. 328. Dr. Sbuhart testified that, based
0
upon what occurs during the examinations, and how E.P. appeared during the exams on September 25th
and October 9th, Dr. Shuhart opined that it was not likely that E.P. had over twenty (20) rib fractures, a
flail chest, a skull fracture, or a femur fracture when he examined her on either date. N.T. 331-332. Dr.
Shuhart explained that the fractured ribs would be quite painful and, based upon the movements
conducted during the examination, he would expect the baby to be crying, fussing, and uncomfortable.
N.T. 331. Also, based upon the manipulation that is done during the head and leg examination, the doctor
opined that he would have picked up on any fractures. N.T. 332. Dr. Shuhart did not see, or note in the
report, any swelling or bruising at all during either visit. N.T. 333 .
. _ On Saturday, October 20,. 2012, Peterman called the office at 2:44 p.m., but because the call occurred
on the weekend, the call was handled by an answering service. N.T. 329. Dr. Shuhart testified that the
information received from the call was something about the leg and that the apnea monitor went off twice,
once two to three days ago and then again a few minutes ago for low heart rate and not breathing. N.T.
329-330. Additionally, it was reported that, after checking, mom did CPR both times, E.P. vomited a
large amount and then started to breathe, having slight stynosis oflips. N.T. 330. Dr. Shuhart stated that
the triage person recommended that E.P. go immediately to the emergency room and, although an
ambulance was offered, the family said they had an ET A of fifteen (15) to twenty (20) minutes to the
hospital so they would drive the baby there. N.T. 330.
Thomas Stivason, E.P. 's foster father, testified regarding E.P. 's continuing problems. N.T. 456. Mr.
Stivason and his wife, Robin, have had custody of E.P. since she was discharged from CHP on October
31, 2012. N.T. 456. Although E.P. has had no further fractures since being in their custody, Mr. Stivason
testified that E.P. is doing good, but continues to have trouble with walking/running and that she falls
often. N.T. 457. Although E.P. is two years old, she can't really run and she catches colds quite often,
which results in the colds going straight to bronchitis. N.T. 458.
Meagan White, Defendant's cousin, testified that Defendant's reputation in the community is for being
an honest, peaceful, non-violent, and very well liked person. N.T. 587-588.
Sue London, who has known Defendant for Defendant's entire life, testified that Defendant is an
honest, peaceful, non-violent person, and very well respected in the community. N.T. 589-.591.
Page 12 of24
Defendant testified on her own behalf. N.T. 607. Defendant, who is twenty-three (23) years old,
testified that she first met Peterman in October of 2011, that they started residing together sometime
thereafter, and that, she became pregnant with E.P. in December of 2011. Defendant testified regarding
E.P. 's developmental history, about what the parents had learned while E.P. was at The Children's Home,
and about how Defendant felt E.P. was normal baby. N.T. 610-612. Defendant stated that she would
never intentionally hurt E.P. N.T. 615. Defendant then testified regarding the incidents on October 17th
through October 20th and, when asked whether E.P. showed any signs of injuries or bruising, Defendant
stated that E.P. did not. N.T. 615-617. Defendant stated that, after the incident on October is", she did
not call 911 because she did not have a cell phone or landline telephone. N.T. 617-618.
Defendant recounted what occurred on October 20th and stated that, once Defendant and Peterman
were with E.P. at Westmoreland Hospital, Defendant stayed out of hospital staff's way and that she was in
shock. N.T. 622-623. Throughout her testimony, Defendant stated that she never saw any bruising or
injuries on E.P. N.T. 626. Defendant admitted that she recalled telling Cpl. Leonard about a second
bassinet collapse that occurred prior to the one Defendant and Peterman reported, but Defendant could not
recall whether she told Dr. Berger about the second bassinet collapse or if there was a reason that
Defendant didn't tell Tpr. Adamski about it. N.T. 637-638.
Defendant testified that she would never intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly injure E.P, nor did she
conspire with Peterman or have some agreement or plan with Peterman to injure·E.P. N.T. 640.
Defendant denied that she aided or facilitated Peterman in injuring E.P. and Defendant denied that she
knowingly endangered E.P. N.T. 640. Lastly, Defendant stated that she never committed any crimes on
E.P. N.T. 641.
On cross-examination, Defendant admitted that, while at The Children's Home, Defendant and
Peterman received training related to providing care to meet E.P. 's medical needs. N.T. 649-654.
Defendant signed a document which indicated that Defendant should call the doctor if there's respiratory
distress and that Defendant should call a doctor when the baby is acting very sick. N.T. 648. Defendant
further admitted that, when E.P. was not breathing on October 18th, E.P. was very sick and not responding.
N.T. 649. Defendant testified that, when Defendant was awake, she would be able to hear E.P. cry from
any room in the family's trailer. N.T. 654. Defendant admitted that, after the October 17th bassinet
incident, Defendant handled E.P. numerous times, and that said handling would require Defendant to
manipulate E.P.'s body to change her diaper and sleepers and to feed and burp E.P. N.T. 662-665.
Defendant testified that she knew the incident on October 18th was very serious, but although there were
Page 13 of24
around eleven other trailers in their trailer park and Defendant was near a busy road, Defendant did not
carry E.P. anywhere to seek help for E.P. N.T. 666-672. Instead, Defendant waited an hour and a half
until Peterman came home and, even then, the two consulted and decided not to seek medical assistance.
N.T. 667. Defendant stated that although she handled E.P. numerous times and in multiple ways between
October 18th and October 20th, Defendant did not think E.P. was hurt in any way. N.T. 672-673.
When questioned regarding the forty-four (44) minutes between when E.P. 's monitor went off on
October 20th and when Peterman called the pediatrician's office, Defendant stated that she could not recall
what caused the delay other than Peterman performing CPR. N.T. 676. When questioned why it took one
(1) hour and ten (10) minutes from the time Peterman spoke to the pediatrician's office to Defendant and
Peterman arriving at Westmoreland Hospital, Defendant stated that they had to get the diaper bag together,
the bottles made, extra clothes, and putting E.P. in her car seat. N.T. 678. Whenquestioned regarding
E.P.' s caregivers, Defendant maintained that Defendant and Peterman were the only caregivers and that
they provided said care together. N.T. 681.
STIPLUATIONS
The parties stipulated that Dr. Gretchen Krimmel, a physician employed by West Peon Hospital,
would testify that she treated E.P. when, after E.P. 's birth at Westmoreland Hospital and due to issues
related to E.P. 's prematurity, E.P. was transferred to West Penn Hospital on July 20, 2012. N.T. 441-442.
During E.P.' s hospitalization and ultrasound, E.P. 's head was normal with no bleeding and fractures, E.P.
also had multiple normal chest x-rays and no evidence of fractures or bone problems were seen while E.P.
was treated at West Penn, and E.P. physically developed well during her stay. N.T. 442. On September
12, 2012, the date ofE.P. 's discharge from West Penn and transfer to The Children's Horne, Dr. Krimmel
conducted a full body head-to-toe examination ofE.P. and E.P. was normal and had no injuries. N.T. 442-
443. E.P. was discharged to The Children's Home with supplemental oxygen administered by nasal
cannula. N.T. 443. Dr. Krimmel's discharge planning noted that E.P. would need to be discharged home
on oxygen by nasal cannula, an A&B monitor, and that E.P. 's family required a monitor, a supplemental
oxygen monitor, and CPR training prior to E.P. going home. N.T. 443.
The parties also stipulated that Erin Colvin, the Clinical Director of The Children's Home, would
testify that E.P. was a patient at The Children's Home from September 12, 2012 through September 24,
2012. N.T. 444. E.P. was transferred there for further treatment of her prematurity and to prepare her and
her parents for eventual discharge home, and that, head-to-toe assessments ofE.P. were all normal. N.T.
Page 14 of24
444. The medical records indicate that, prior to E.P. 's discharge home on September 24, 2012, E.P. was
given a full head-to-toe assessment, and that, her exam was normal with no fractures and she was
developing well. N.T. 447.
DISCUSSION
I. Motion for Judgment of Acquittal at Count 2: Conspiracy
Defendant. challenges the sufficiency of the evidence to prove Defendant corrimitted the crime of
Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Assault. Defendant does not challenge the sufficiency of
the evidence to prove that Defendant committed the crime of Criminal Conspiracy -to Commit
Endangering the Welfare of Children. Defendant argues that the verdict of Not Guilty as to the
Aggravated Assault charge and Guilty as to the Conspiracy to commit Aggravated Assault are
inconsistent verdicts and, therefore, the Conspiracy charge should not stand. In arguing that there was
no evidence for the jury to convict Defendant of Conspiracy to commit Aggravated Assault, Defendant
argues that the jury was "overwhelmed by the horrific injuries sustained by the child victim." (Def's
Br. p. 5.)
In pertinent part, the Commonwealth alleged that Defendant, with the intent of promoting or
facilitating the crime of Aggravated Assault against E.P., conspired and agreed with Peterman, that they
or one or more of them would engage in conduct constituting such crime, and in furtherance thereof,
one or more of them did commit the overt act of inflicting trauma upon E.P. In Pennsylvania, a person
is guilty of conspiracy with another person to commit a crime if with the intent of promoting or
facilitating its commission· he or she agrees with such other person or 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.
18 Pa.C.S.A. § 903(a)(l).
As charged in this case, a person is guilty of Aggravated Assault ifhe or she attempts to cause
serious bodily injury to another, or causes such injury intentionally, knowingly qr recklessly under
circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life. 18 Pa.C.S.A. 2702(a)(l).
Serious bodily injury is bodily injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious,
permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or
organ. 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 2602. A person acts intentionally with respect to serious bodily injury when it is
his or her conscious object or purpose to cause such injury. 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 302(b)(l). A person acts
Page 15 of24
knowingly with respect to serious bodily injury when he or she is aware that it is practically certain that
his or her conduct will cause such a result. 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 302(b)(2). A person acts recklessly with
respect to serious bodily injury when he or she acts with malice. Malice exists where t~ere is
wickedness of disposition, hardness of heart, cruelty, recklessness of consequences, and a mind
regardless of social duty, although a particular person may not be intended to be injured. Where malice
is based on reckless disregard of consequences, it is not sufficient to show mere. recklessness, it must be
shown that the defendant consciously disregarded unjustified and extremely high risk that his and/or
her actions might cause death or serious bodily injury. 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 302(b)(3); Pa. SSTI (Crim)§
15.2702B.
Defendant argues that there was no evidence, direct or circumstantial, that Defendant conspired
with Peterman to commit the crime of Aggravated Assault on E.P., that there was no evidence to prove
an agreement to commit Aggravated Assault, and that there was no evidence to prove an overt act
committed by either parent in furtherance of the conspiracy. (Def.'s Br.p.4112-14). In
Commonwealth v. Johnson, the Pennsylvania Superior Court explained:
To sustain a conviction for criminal conspiracy, the Commonwealth must establish that
the defendant (1) entered an agreement to commit or aid in an unlawful act with another
person or persons, (2) with a shared criminal intent and, (3) an overt act was done in
furtherance of the conspiracy.
The essence of a criminal conspiracy is a common understanding, no matter how it
came into being, that a particular criminal objective be accomplished. Commonwealth
v. Keefer, 487 A.2d 915, 918 (Pa. Super. 1985). Therefore, a conviction for conspiracy
requires proof of the existence of a shared criminal intent. Commonwealth v. Sattazahn,.
631 A.2d 597, 602 (Pa. Super. 1993) appeal denied, 652 A.2d 293 (Pa. 1994).
An explicit or formal agreement to commit crimes can seldom, if ever, be proved and it
need not be, for proof of a criminal partnership is almost invariably extracted from the
circumstances that attend its activities. Commonwealth v. Kennedy, 499 Pa. 389, 395,
453 A.2d 927, 929-930 (Pa. 1982). Thus, a conspiracy may be inferred where it is
demonstrated that the relation, conduct, or circumstances of the parties, and the overt
acts of the co-conspirators sufficiently prove the formation of a criminal confederation.
Commonwealth v. Woodward, 614 _A.2d 239, 243 (Pa. Super. 1992).
The conduct of the parties and the circumstances surrounding their conduct may create
'a web of evidence' linking the accused to the alleged conspiracy beyond a reasonable
doubt. Commonwealth v. McKeever, 689 A.2d 272, 274 (Pa. Super. 1997). 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
Page 16 of24
conspiracy. Commonwealth v. Soto, 693 A.2d 226, 229-230 (Pa. Super. 1997), appeal
denieg, 705 A.2d 1308 (Pa. 1997).
Commonwealth v. Johnson, 719 A.2d 778, 784-85 (Pa. Super. 1998) (en bane).
Pennsylvania law does not require consistent verdicts. Com. v. Tha, 64 A.3d 704, 711 (2013).
Inconsistent verdicts, while often perplexing, are not considered mistakes and
do not constitute a basis for reversal. Rather, the rationale for allowing
inconsistent verdicts is that it is the jury's sole prerogative to decide on which
counts to convict in order to provide a defendant with sufficient punishment.
Id. Further, in Com. v. Moore, 103 A.3d 1240 (2014), the Pennsylvania Supreme Court stated that jury
acquittals are not to be interpreted as specific factual findings regarding the evidence. Id. at 1246.
There are multiple reasons why a jury may have acquitted a defendant on any particular charge other
than a finding of innocence. Courts may not upset verdicts by speculation or inquiry into the reasons
for the acquittal. Id. citing United States v. Dunn, 284 U.S. 390, 394, 52 S.Ct. 189, 76 L.Ed. 356(1932); see also Com. v. Carter, 282 A.2d 375, 376 (1971).
In Commonwealth v. Brown, the Pennsylvania Superior Court stated:
The standard we apply in reviewing the sufficiency of the evidence is whether viewing
all the evidence admitted at trial in the light most favorable to the verdict winner, there
is sufficient evidence to enable the fact-finder to find every element of the crime
beyond a reasonable doubt. In applying the above test, we may not weigh the evidence
and substitute our judgment for the fact-finder. In addition; we note that the facts and
circumstances established by the Commonwealth need not preclude every possibility of
innocence. 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. The Commonwealth may
sustain its burden of proving every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt by
means of wholly circumstantial evidence. Moreover, in applying the above test, the
entire record must be evaluated and all evidence actually received must be considered.
Finally, the trier of fact while passing upon the credibility of witnesses and the weight
of the evidence produced, is free to believe all, part or none of the evidence.
23 A.3d 544, 559-560 (Pa. Super. 2011) (en bane) citing Commonwealth v. Hutchinson, 947 A.2d 800,
805-06 (Pa. Super. 2008), appeal denied, 980 A.2d 606 (Pa. 2009).
Although Defendant argues to the contrary, this Court finds that there was sufficient evidence that
Defendant entered into an agreement with Peterman to commit Aggravated Assault on E.P., and that,
one or both of them, committed the overt act of inflicting forcible trauma upon E.P. Both Defendant
and Peterman always maintained that they were E.P. 's only caretakers. Viewing the evidence in the
light most favorable to the Commonwealth, E.P. was a healthy and fracture-free infant when she left
Page 17 of24
The Children's Home and was placed exclusively in Defendant and Peterman's care. There was no
family medical history that would account for E.P.'s near-fatal injuries and, E.P. did not suffer from
any genetic disease which would account for the severe injuries. Defendant testified that both parents
received training at The Children's Home regarding E.P. 's medical needs, how to perform CPR should
it be necessary, and on how to operate the medical apparatus that E.P. would necessitate upon
discharge. Defendant admitted that she was aware that E.P. was having multiple "medical episodes,"
during which, neither parent was able to stimulate E.P. back to consciousness without performing CPR,
from October 17th through October20tb. Defendant admitted that Defendant and Peterman each told
the other about every medical episode that occurred, but together, they decided not to seek medical care
for their infant daughter.
Additionally, although Defendant and Peterman consistently denied accidentally or intentionally
injuring E.P ., Dr. Berger testified that, based upon her experience in handling over a thousand child abuse
cases, and upon her examination of all the records and her physical assessment ofE.P., E.P. 's injuries
were the result of child abuse that occurred on more than one occasion and that the injuries were
extremely painful and life threatening. Dr. Berger explained that E.P. 's multiple rib fractures could not
have been the result of the CPR that was performed onE.P. Dr. Berger also opined that the history of the
fall from the bassinet could have accounted for one of the injuries, but that it did not account for all of the
injuries, and that E.P. was in significant pain at the time the fractures occurred. As Dr. Berger explained,
it would not have been possible for Defendant and Peterman to be unaware that E.P. 's forearms and femur
were fractured or that E.P. was in a tremendous amount of pain.
The Commonwealth was not required to prove a spoken agreement between Defendant and Peterman
for purposes of a conspiracy, but the Commonwealth did prove that the only caretakers for E.P. were
Defendant and Peterman, that Defendant .and Peterman were communicating on multiple occasions
regarding whether to take E.P. to seek additional medical treatment, and that E.P. suffered near-fatal
injuries of varying ages, that were, according to Dr. Berger, a result of child abuse. Further, inher closing
argument, the Assistant District Attorney offered overt agreements between the defendants as well as the
circumstantial evidence of the conspiracy. The evidence presented and all reasonable inferences arising
from the evidence were sufficient to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Commonwealth v. Madison,
462 A.2d 228 (Pa. 1983). Clearly, from the jury's verdict, the jury believed that the Commonwealth met
its burden and that Defendant conspired with Peterman to commit the Aggravated Assault, but that
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Defendant did not commit the Aggravated Assault herself. Based upon the evidence presented, this Court
finds no error in the jury's verdict or in the sufficiency of evidence upon which the jury's verdict is based.
Defendant also argues that this Court did not properly instruct the jury regarding Count 2: Criminal
Conspiracy, in that, the Court did not instruct the jury that they could find Defendant guilty of
Conspiracy to Commit Endangering the Welfare of Children but acquit Defendant on the more serious
charge of Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Assault. This Court is not persuaded by Defendant's
argument. This Court did read the standard jury instruction regarding criminal conspiracy and, in
addition, this Court explained the Jury Verdict Form. N.T. 836. This Court instructed the jury as
follows:
So, let me explain the verdict slips.I] Count 2, guilty or not guilty. And then you'll see
under Count 2, which is the criminal conspiracy, that you need to make a finding as to
guilty as to which crime, if any, was the object of the conspiracy. So, you'll see
aggravated assault, conspiracy, guilty or not guilty. Endangering welfare of children,
conspiracy, guilty or not guilty. So, you find guilty or not guilty as to conspiracy and
then tell me which if any of the crimes were the object of the conspiracy.
N.T. 836-837. This Court finds that it did properly instruct the jury with respect to Count 2: Criminal
Conspiracy. Additionally, a defendant fails to preserve a claim for appellate review that the trial court
erred in it charge where the defendant did not declare that he lodged specific objections or exceptions to
the instruction that was given. Commonwealth v. Baker, 963 A.2d 495 (Pa. Super. 2008). Here,
defendant did not object to this Court's instruction prior to or, at the time it was read, although said
instruction was offered to both parties prior to the instruction being read during the jury charge. In fact,
Counsel for all parties involved agreed that the jury instructions and verdict slip were appropriate. N.T.
740-743. Therefore, this Court finds no merit to this issue.
IT. Motion to Modify Sentence
Defendant next alleges that this Court issued an illegal and excessive sentence when this Court
sentenced Defendant, at Count 2, Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Assault, to a state correctional
institution for a period of not less than five (5) years nor more than ten (10) years. Defendant alleges
that this Court based said sentence on the nature of the crime and completely ignored the mitigating
factors·Defendant was entitled to and the rehabilitative needs of Defendant. Defendant requests the
court to modify the imposed sentence to a fair and appropriate sentenced based upon the sentencing
guidelines. It is well-settled that:
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Sentencing is a matter vested in the sound discretion of the sentencing judge, and a
sentence will not be disturbed on appeal absent a manifest abuse of discretion. In this
context, an abuse of discretion is not shown merely by an error in judgment. 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.
Commonwealth v. Buterbaugh, 91 A.3d 1247, 1265 (Pa. Super. 2014) (internal citations omitted). In
Commonwealth v. Shugars, the Pennsylvania Superior Court explained:
When imposing a sentence, the sentencing court must consider the factors set out in 42
[Pa.Cons.Stat.Ann] § 972l(b), that is, the protection of the public, gravity of offense in
relation to impact on victim and community, and rehabilitative needs of the defendant.
[Commonwealth v .. Fullin, 892 A.2d 843, 847 (Pa. Super. 2006)]. Furthermore, "[a]
trial court judge has wide discretion in sentencing and can, on the appropriate record
and for the appropriate reasons, consider any legal factor in imposing a sentence in the
aggravated range." Commonwealth v. Stewart, 867 A.2d 589, 593 (Pa. Super. 2005)
(citation omitted). The sentencing court, however, must also consider the sentencing
guidelines.
Com. v. Shugars, 895 A.2d 1270: 1275 (Pa. Super 2006); 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 9721.
At sentencing, this court was presented with, at Count 2, the charge of Criminal Conspiracy to Commit
Aggravated Assault 18 Pa.C.S. §903(a)(l), 1st degree felony, with an offense gravity score often (10) and
a minimum standard sentencing range of twenty-two (22) to thirty-six (36) months, given a prior record
score of zero (0), a mitigated minimum sentence often (10) months, and an aggravated minimum sentence
of forty-eight (48) months. See 204 Pa. Code § 303. l 6(a). According to statute, the maximum penalty for
Count 2 was twenty (20) years' incarceration. 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 1103. Regarding imposition of a sentence
for a felony:
[T]he court shall make as a part of the record, and disclose in open court at the time of
sentencing, a statement of the reason or reasons for the sentence imposed.
Commonwealth v. Mouzon. 571 Pa. 419, 812 A.2d 617, 620-21 (2002); see 42 Pa.C.S.
§ 9721 (b ). The sentencing guidelines are not mandatory, and sentencing courts retain
'broad discretion in sentencing matters, and therefore, may sentence defendants outside
the [g]uidelines.' Id. In every case where the court imposes a sentence D outside the
guidelines adopted by the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing O the court shall
provide a contemporaneous written statement of the reason or reasons for the deviation
from the guidelines." 42 Pa.C.S. § 972l(b). However, "[t]his requirement is satisfied
'when the judge states his reasons for the sentence on the record and in the defendant's
presence.' Commonwealth v. Widmer. 667 A.2d 215, 223 (Pa. Super. 1995), reversed
on other grounds, 689 A.2d 211 (Pa. 1997). Consequently, all that a trial court must do
to comply with the above procedural requirements is to state adequate reasons for the
imposition of sentence on the record in open court. See Robinson. 931 A.2d at 26
Page 20 of24
[quoting Commonwealth v. Walls. 846 A.2d 152, 158 (Pa. Super. 2004), reversed on
other grounds, 926 A.2d 957 (Pa. 2007)] ("If a court chooses to sentence a defendant
outside of the sentencing guidelines, it should state on the record adequate reasons for
the deviation.").
When imposing sentence, a court is required to consider 'the particular circumstances
of the offense and the character of the defendant.' Commonwealth v. McClendon. 589
A.2d 706, 712-13 (Pa. Super. 1991) (en bane). Inconsidering these factors, the court
should refer to the defendant's prior criminal record, age, personal characteristics, and
potential for rehabilitation.
Commonwealth v. Antidormi, 84 A.3d 736, 760-761 (Pa. Super. 2014), appeal denied, 95 A.3d 275 (Pa.
2014).
Defendant argues that, at Sentencing, this Court made a statement regarding being outraged as a
mother at the actions of Defendant in protecting Peterman rather than her baby girl. Defendant places
great emphasis on that one particular sentence contained within the entire sentencing proceeding, and
alleges that said statement was the fundamental basis for this Court's imposition of sentence. Contrary to
Defendant's assertion, this Court did not sentence Defendant based upon emotion and the serious nature of
the crime alone. The above-referenced passing remark was not the sole consideration in imposing
Defendant's sentence. This Court very carefully considered the information contained in the Pre-Sentence
Investigation report that was prepared by Janice M. DeFloria of the Westmoreland County Probation
Office's Presentence Investigation Unit. ·
Where pre-sentence reports exist, the court shall continue to presume that the
sentencing judge was aware of relevant information regarding [the Defendant's]
character and weighed those considerations along with mitigating statutory factors. A
pre-sentence report constitutes the record and speaks for itself.
Commonwealth v. Devers, 546 A.2d 12, 18 (Pa. 1988). Contained within said Pre-Sentence Investigation
were programs that Defendant participated in while incarcerated, Defendant's familial, employment,
marital, educational, physical, drug and alcohol, mental health, and criminal histories. Contrary to the
Defendant's assertion, this Court did take into account the factors that Defendant set forth in her Post-
Sentence Motion for Modification of Sentence.
In addition, this Court considered the testimony of Robin Stivason, E.P. 's foster mother and who
testified on E.P. 's behalf, Clement Peterman, Christopher Peterman's father, Sheila Peterman, Christopher
Peterman's stepmother, Lisa Peterman, Christopher Peterrnan's sister, both Defendant and Christopher
Peterman, and this Court considered the arguments that their respective attorney's made on their behalf.
Page 21 of24
N.T. March 19, 2015.17 This Court did consider the severe injuries that E.P. sustained and the fact that
Defendant made a conscious decision to not seek medical treatment for those injuries until E.P. was near
death. S.T. 52. This Court considered the rehabilitative needs of Defendant and the Court's need to
protect society. S.T. 53-54.
While the Court considered and specifically indicated that the Defendant had no prior record, the
Court also considered and found compelling that the Defendant admitted that only she and Peterman were
caretakers for E.P., that the facts established that RP. suffered child abuse on multiple occasions and, as a
result ofE.P!s injuries, E.P. almost died. This Court also considered that E.P. continues to have lingering
physical impairment due to her injuries.
In considering the need to protect the public, this Court determined that the only possible sentence
should be a lengthy one that would ensure that the Defendant would not harm or allow another person to
harm another child. S.T. 53. While this Court's sentence is above the aggravated range, it is warranted
under the facts and circumstances of this case, is not manifestly excessive, and is certainly not illegal.
Further, this Court articulated, on the record, the reasons that the Defendant's sentence was outside of or
in the aggravated range of the sentencing guidelines. S.T. 56-57. The sentencing court has broad
discretion in sentencing a defendant. Commonwealth v. Fish, 752 A.2d 921, 923 (Pa. Super. 2000). The
sentencing judge is accorded great deference as it is the sentencing judge that is in the best position to
view the defendant's character, displays of remorse, defiance, or indifference, and the overall effect and
nature of the crime. Id. A sentencing court will not have abused its discretion unless the record discloses
that the judgment exercised was manifestly unreasonable, or the result of partiality, prejudice, bias or ill-
will. Commonwealth v. Moury, 992 A.2d 162 (Pa. Super. 2010). Therefore, Defendant's Motion for
Sentence Modification is denied.
ill. Weight of the Evidence
Defendant alleges that the verdicts were against the weight of the evidence. A motion for a new
trial on the grounds that the verdict is contrary to the weight of the evidence concedes that there is
sufficient evidence to sustain the verdict. Commonwealth v. Widmer, 744 A.2d 745 (Pa. 2000). Thus,
the Commonwealth argues that the defendants cannot logically pursue both of these arguments on
appeal. (Com. 's Br. p. 6). Furthermore, a motion for a new trial alleging that the verdict was against the
weight of the evidence is addressed to the discretion of the trial court. Commonwealth v. Cousar, 928
17 The "notes of testimony" regarding the Sentencing Hearing will be referred to hereafter as "S.T.".
Page 22 of24
A.2d 1025, 1035-1036 (Pa. 2007). An appellate court, therefore, reviews the exercise of discretion, not
the underlying question of whether the verdict is against the weight of the evidence. Id. at 1036. The
fact finder is free to believe all, part, or none of the evidence and to determine the credibility of the
witnesses. Id: The trial court will award a new trial only when the jury's verdict is so contrary to the
evidence as to shock one's sense of justice. Id. In determining whether this standard has been met,
appellate review is limited to whether the trial judge's discretion was properly exercised, and relief will
. .
only be granted where the facts and inferences of record disclose a palpable abuse of discretion. Id.Thus, the trial court's denial of a motion for a new trial based on a weight of the evidence claim is the
least assailable of its rulings. Id; see Commonwealth v. Keaton, 729 A.2d 529, 540-541 (Pa. 1999).
In the case sub Judice, Defendant again argues that the great weight of the evidence supports
Defendant's argument that there was no agreement to commit Aggravated Assault upon E.P. and that
the verdict at Count 2 was irreconcilably contradictory to, among other things, incontrovertible facts
produced at trial. While this Court understands Defendant's argument, this Court is not persuaded by
it. The jury heard Defendant testify and Defendant adamantly denied intentionally or accidentally
injuring E.P., agreeing with Peterman to do the same, or knowing that E.P. was injured, but failing to
seek medical treatment for her. The jury's verdict is not irreconcilably contradictory to the facts
produced at trial. The jury found Defendant not guilty of the Aggravated Assault, but determined that
Defendant did conspire with Defendant to commit the Aggravated Assault. The jury was certainly
capable of determining whether to believe all, part, or none of the evidence with respect to whether the
Commonwealth met its burden at each count and to determine the credibility of each witness.
Again, as noted above, Defendant's acquittal on the Aggravated Assault charge did not preclude a
conviction for Conspiracy to commit Aggravated Assault in that Pennsylvania law does not require
consistent verdicts. Com. v. Tha, 64 A.3d 704, 711 (Pa. Super. 2013).
Based upon this Court's review of the entire record, this Court does not find that the jury's verdict
is so contrary to the evidence as to shock this Court's sense of justice. Therefore, this Court does not
find that the jury's verdict was against the weight of the evidence.
For the reasons set forth above, the Court enters the Order of Court attached hereto.
Page 23 of24
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA- CRIMINAL DIVISION
COMMONWEAL TH OF PENNSYLVANIA )
)
vs. ) NO. 587 C 2013
)
ELIZABETH MAE FAIR )
ORDER OF COURT
i{l--
AND NOW, to wit, this (} day of August, 2015, for the reasons set forth in the foregoing
Opinion, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED, that:
1. Defendant's Post-Sentence Motion for Judgment of Acquittal at Count 2: Conspiracy is
DENIED.
2. Defendant's Post-Sentence Motion to Modify Sentence is DENIED.
3. Defendant's Post-Sentence Motion regarding Weight of the Evidence is DENIED.
cc: Judith Petrush, Esq., Assistant District Attorn:Y
Timothy P. Dawson, Esq., for Defendant V
District Court Administrator
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