Com. v. Moore, J. ( 2018 )

J-S20033-18
NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
: PENNSYLVANIA
Appellee :
:
v. :
:
JERONE ANDRE MOORE :
:
Appellant : No. 820 MDA 2017
Appeal from the Judgment of Sentence April 10, 2017
In the Court of Common Pleas of Luzerne County
Criminal Division at No(s): CP-40-CR-0003215-2015
BEFORE: GANTMAN, P.J., OTT, J., and KUNSELMAN, J.
MEMORANDUM BY GANTMAN, P.J.: FILED AUGUST 10, 2018
Appellant, Jerone Andre Moore, appeals from the judgment of sentence
entered in the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas, following his jury trial
convictions of attempted murder and kidnapping.1 We affirm.
The relevant facts and procedural history of this case are as follows.
Appellant and Victim met on October 3, 2014. Appellant took Victim to a party
on the evening of October 4, 2014, at the home of Chloe Isaacs, Appellant’s
friend. Following the party, Appellant and Victim returned to Victim’s
apartment, where they engaged in consensual sexual intercourse. In the early
morning hours of October 5, 2014, Ms. Isaacs and another party guest, Emily
Evelock, went to Victim’s apartment, looking for a stolen iPhone. Ms. Isaacs,
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1 18 Pa.C.S.A. §§ 901 and 2901(a)(3), respectively.
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Ms. Evelock, and Appellant forced Victim into Ms. Isaacs’ car, and they drove
back to Ms. Isaacs’ apartment.
Ms. Isaacs, Ms. Evelock, and two other female party guests stripped
Victim and placed her inside a plastic garbage bag. They beat Victim and
stubbed out cigarettes on her face. Appellant and Nygee Taylor then
transported Victim from Ms. Isaacs’ kitchen into the attic and stuffed Victim
inside a garbage barrel. After about four hours, Appellant, Mr. Taylor, and
Darnell Evans placed Victim inside the trunk of Ms. Isaacs’ car, and drove to
the woods.
Appellant and Mr. Taylor led Victim, from behind, into the woods.
Appellant tried to cut Victim with a razor blade, but Victim blocked it with her
hand. Next, using Mr. Evans’ knife, Appellant slashed Victim’s neck. Victim
played dead. Once her attackers were gone from the scene, she sought aid
at a nearby house.
Appellant’s jury trial began on February 21, 2017. Ms. Isaacs testified,
over a defense objection, that Mr. Taylor had criticized Appellant for going into
a store after the crime with Victim’s blood still on his hands. The court
additionally admitted into evidence a text message sent from Appellant’s
phone to his girlfriend on October 6, 2014, one day after the incident. The
message read, “A lot of shit went down bae n its bad I need to leave [sic].”
On February 24, 2017, the jury convicted Appellant of attempted murder and
kidnapping.
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Following Appellant’s conviction, the court ordered a presentence
investigation (“PSI”) report. On April 6, 2017, the Commonwealth filed a
motion to amend the PSI report to increase Appellant’s prior record score from
three to five, based on Appellant’s prior conviction of manslaughter in New
York2 and to apply the deadly weapon enhancement.
On April 10, 2017, the court sentenced Appellant to an aggregate term
of twenty-six (26) to sixty (60) years’ incarceration. Appellant filed a timely
post-sentence motion on April 13, 2017, which the court denied on May 9,
2017. On May 16, 2017, Appellant timely filed a notice of appeal. The court
ordered Appellant on May 18, 2017, to file a concise statement of errors
complained of on appeal pursuant to Pa.R.A.P. 1925(b). Appellant timely
complied on June 5, 2017.
Appellant raises six issues for our review:
(1) WHETHER THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY ADMITTING
CHLOE ISSACS’ HEARSAY TESTIMONY UNDER THE CO-
CONSPIRATOR EXCEPTION TO THE HEARSAY RULE, PA.R.E.
803(25)(E)?
(2) WHETHER THE TRIAL COUT ERRED WHEN IT
DETERMINED THAT [APPELLANT]’S PREVIOUS NEW YORK
STATE CONVICTION WAS EQUIVALENT TO
PENNSYLVANIA’S THIRD DEGREE MURDER STATUTE
THEREBY MAKING [APPELLANT]’S PRIOR RECORD SCORE 5
INSTEAD OF 3?
(3) WHETHER THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY ADMITTING
TEXT MESSAGES INTO EVIDENCE WHEN THE
COMMONWEALTH DID NOT AUTHENTICATE THE TEXT
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2 N.Y. Penal Law § 125.20.
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MESSAGES AS BEING SENT BY [APPELLANT] UNDER PA.R.E.
901?
(4) WHETHER THE JURY’S DETERMINATION THAT THE
VICTIM SUFFERED SERIOUS BODILY INJURY WAS
SUPPORTED BY INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE SINCE NO
MEDICAL EXPERT TESTIFIED, NO TREATING PHYSICIAN
TESTIFIED, …VICTIM’S INJURIES WERE NOT LIFE
THREATENING, AND THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE TO PROVE
THAT…VICTIM’S SCAR WAS PERMANENT?
(5) WHETHER THE JURY’S DETERMINATION THAT…VICTIM
SUFFERED A SERIOUS BODILY INJURY WAS AGAINST THE
WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE SINCE NO MEDICAL EXPERT
TESTIFIED, NO TREATING PHYSICIAN TESTIFIED,
…VICTIM’S INJURIES WERE NOT LIFE THREATENING, AND
THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE TO PROVE THAT…VICTIM’S SCAR
WAS PERMANENT?
(6) WHETHER THE SENTENCING STRUCTURE IN 18
PA.C.S.A. § 1102(C) IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL UNDER
APPRENDI V. NEW JERSEY, 530 U.S. 466[, 120 S.CT.
2348, 147 L.ED.2D 435] (2000) AND WHETHER THE TRIAL
COURT IMPERMISSIBLY PERFORMED A LEGISLATIVE
FUNCTION BY ADDING THE SERIOUS BODILY INJURY
QUESTION TO THE VERDICT SLIP IN AN ATTEMPT TO
REMEDY THE UNCONSTITIONALITY OF 18 PA.C.S.A. §
1102(C)?
(Appellant’s Brief at 7-8).3
Preliminarily, “to preserve their claims for appellate review, appellants
must comply whenever the trial court orders them to file a Statement of
[Errors] Complained of on Appeal pursuant to [Rule] 1925. Any issues not
raised in a [Rule] 1925(b) statement will be deemed waived.”
Commonwealth v. Castillo, 585 Pa. 395, 403, 888 A.2d 775, 780 (2005)
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3 Issues reordered for purposes of disposition.
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(quoting Commonwealth v. Lord, 553 Pa. 415, 420, 719 A.2d 306, 309
(1998)). Instantly, Appellant did not raise his third appellate issue, which
challenges the admission of a text message into evidence, in his Rule 1925(b)
statement. Consequently, Appellant’s third issue is waived. See id.After a thorough review of the record, the briefs of the parties, the
applicable law, and the well-reasoned opinion of the Honorable David W.
Lupas, we conclude Appellant’s issues one and two merit no relief. The trial
court opinion comprehensively discusses and properly disposes of the
questions presented. (See Trial Court Opinion, filed November 27, 2017, at
3-5, 12-14) (finding: (1) preponderance of evidence convinced court there
was conspiracy between Appellant and declarant, Mr. Taylor, for purposes of
admitting evidence, when Commonwealth offered Ms. Isaacs’ testimony
regarding Mr. Taylor’s statement; additionally, Mr. Taylor made declarations
during conspiracy, in course of concealing evidence, and in furtherance of
common design of evading capture; Ms. Isaacs’ testimony about Mr. Taylor’s
statement met co-conspirator exception to hearsay rule; (2) court allowed
amendment of Appellant’s prior record score to include Appellant’s New York
conviction for first-degree manslaughter because New York’s first-degree
manslaughter offense is sufficiently similar to Pennsylvania’s third-degree
murder offense). Accordingly, as to Appellant’s first and second issues, we
affirm based on the trial court opinion.
In his fourth and fifth issues combined, Appellant argues the
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Commonwealth presented insufficient evidence for a jury to find Victim
sustained a serious bodily injury. Appellant contends the verdict that Victim
was in substantial risk of death shocks one’s sense of justice and is against
the weight of the evidence. Appellant avers no medical expert or treating
physician testified, Victim’s injuries were not life threatening, and there was
no evidence to prove Victim’s neck scar was permanent. Appellant concludes
this Court should grant him a new trial or vacate his sentence. We disagree.
The following principles apply to challenges to the sufficiency of the
evidence:
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
[finder] 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.
Commonwealth v. Jones, 874 A.2d 108, 120-21 (Pa.Super. 2005) (quoting
Commonwealth v. Bullick, 830 A.2d 998, 1000 (Pa.Super. 2003)).
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Our standard of review for a challenge to the weight of the evidence is
as follows:
The weight of the evidence is exclusively for the finder of
fact who is free to believe all, part, or none of the evidence
and to determine the credibility of the witnesses. An
appellate court cannot substitute its judgment for that of the
finder of fact. Thus, we may only reverse the lower court’s
verdict if it is so contrary to the evidence as to shock one’s
sense of justice. Moreover, where the trial court has ruled
on the weight claim below, an appellate court’s role is not
to consider the underlying question of whether the verdict
is against the weight of the evidence. Rather, appellate
review is limited to whether the trial court palpably abused
its discretion in ruling on the weight claim.
Commonwealth v. Champney, 574 Pa. 435, 444, 832 A.2d 403, 408
(2003), cert. denied, 542 U.S. 939, 124 S.Ct. 2906, 159 L.Ed.2d 816 (2004)
(internal citations omitted).
Under the Crimes Code, “[a] person commits an attempt
when with intent to commit a specific crime, he does any
act which constitutes a substantial step towards the
commission of the crime.” 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 901(a). A person
may be convicted of attempted murder if he takes a
substantial step toward the commission of a killing, with the
specific intent in mind to commit such an act. See 18
Pa.C.S.A. §§ 901, 2502. The substantial step test broadens
the scope of attempt liability by concentrating on the acts
the defendant has done and does not any longer focus on
the acts remaining to be done before the actual commission
of the crime. The mens rea required for first-degree
murder, specific intent to kill, may be established solely
from circumstantial evidence. [T]he law permits the fact
finder to infer that one intends the natural and probable
consequences of his acts.
Commonwealth v. Jackson, 955 A.2d 441, 444 (Pa.Super. 2008), appeal
denied, 600 Pa. 760, 967 A.2d 958 (2009) (most internal citations and
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quotation marks omitted).
The Crimes Code defines “serious bodily injury” as “[b]odily 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. § 2301. See also Commonwealth v. Reid,
867 A.2d 1280, 1284 (Pa.Super. 2005), appeal denied, 586 Pa. 725, 890 A.2d
1058 (2005) (noting slashed throat constituted serious bodily injury).
Instantly, Appellant and company took Victim into the woods; Appellant
slashed Victim’s neck and scalp with a knife and left her to die. Appellant’s
slashing of Victim’s neck and leaving the scene created a substantial risk of
Victim’s death. See 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 2301; Reid, supra. Therefore, the
Commonwealth presented sufficient evidence to sustain the jury’s finding of
serious bodily injury. See Jones, supra. Additionally, the jury’s finding of
serious bodily injury did not shock the court’s conscience. Thus, the court
properly denied Appellant’s weight of the evidence claim. See Champney,
supra.In his sixth issue, Appellant argues the Commonwealth did not notify
Appellant of its intent to prove serious bodily injury, a fact that increases the
statutory maximum penalty for a crime and must be proved beyond a
reasonable doubt, under Apprendi v. New Jersey, 530 U.S. 466, 120 S.Ct.
2348, 147 L.Ed.2d 435 (2000). Appellant submits serious bodily injury is a
sentence enhancer that the legislature and Section 1102(c) do not allow a trial
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court to present to a jury. Appellant analogizes to Commonwealth v.
Valentine, 101 A.3d 801 (Pa.Super. 2014), appeal denied, 633 Pa. 749, 124
A.3d 309 (2015), which declared Sections 9712 and 9713 unconstitutional
under Alleyne v. United States, 570 U.S. 99, 133 S.Ct. 2151, 186 L.Ed.2d
314 (2013), because each statute required proof at sentencing of a fact that
could increase the mandatory minimum sentence. Appellant avers Section
1102 intended a judge to decide serious bodily injury at sentencing, even
though the statute does not contain a-proof-at-sentencing subsection.
Appellant maintains the court impermissibly performed a legislative function
when it allowed the verdict slip to include serious bodily injury. Appellant
concludes this Court should vacate his judgment of sentence and remand for
resentencing in accordance with the twenty (20) year statutory maximum for
attempted murder without serious bodily injury. We disagree.
A challenge to the legality of a sentence is a question of law.
Commonwealth v. Barnes, 167 A.3d 110, 116 (Pa.Super. 2017) (en banc).
Thus, our standard of review is de novo and our scope of review is plenary.
Id.The sentence for attempted murder is as follows:
§ 1102. Sentence for murder, murder of unborn child
and murder of law enforcement officer
* * *
(c) Attempt, solicitation and conspiracy.—
Notwithstanding section 1103(1) (relating to sentence of
imprisonment for felony), a person who has been convicted
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of attempt, solicitation or conspiracy to commit murder,
murder of an unborn child or murder of a law enforcement
officer where serious bodily injury results may be
sentenced to a term of imprisonment which shall be fixed by
the court at not more than 40 years. Where serious bodily
injury does not result, the person may be sentenced to a
term of imprisonment which shall be fixed by the court at
not more than 20 years.
18 Pa.C.S.A. § 1102(c) (emphasis added).
The Commonwealth must give a defendant notice that it seeks to prove
serious bodily injury in order for the 40-year maximum sentence for attempted
murder to apply. Barnes, supra. “Serious bodily injury is a fact that must
be proven before a maximum sentence of [40] years may be imposed for
attempted homicide.” Id. at 117. See also Commonwealth v. Johnson,
910 A.2d 60 (Pa.Super. 2006), appeal denied, 592 Pa. 766, 923 A.2d 1173(2007) (stating jury has sole responsibility to find beyond reasonable doubt
whether serious bodily injury resulted from attempted murder).
Instantly, the Commonwealth filed an amended criminal information on
February 10, 2017, which stated:
AMENDED INFORMATION
COUNT 1 – Criminal Attempt to Murder of the 1st Degree –
18 Pa.C.S.A. [§] 901(a) – 18 [Pa.]C.S.A. [§] 2502(a) –
(Homicide 1)
[Appellant] committed an attempt when, with intent to
commit the crime of Murder of the 1st Degree, 18 Pa.C.S.A.
[§] 2502(a), [Appellant] did an act which constituted a
substantial step toward the commission of the aforesaid
crime causing serious bodily injury to [Victim] with a knife.
(Amended Criminal Information, filed February 10, 2017, at 1). Before
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deliberation, the court instructed the jury as follows:
THE COURT: [Appellant] has been charged with attempted
murder. To find [Appellant] guilty of this offense, you must
find that the following three elements have been proven
beyond a reasonable doubt.
First, that [Appellant] did a certain act. And in this case, it’s
alleged he cut someone with a knife.
Second, that at the time of this alleged act, [Appellant] had
the specific intent to kill [Victim]; that is, he had a fully
formed intent to kill and he was conscious of his own
intentions.
And third, that the act constituted a substantial step toward
the commission of the killing [Appellant] intended to bring
about.
* * *
If you are satisfied that the three elements of attempted
murder have been proven beyond a reasonable doubt, you
should find [Appellant] guilty; otherwise, you must find
[Appellant] not guilty of this crime.
You will see later when I give you the verdict slip, you’ll be
asked to consider something else. If, and only if you should
find [Appellant] guilty of attempted murder beyond a
reasonable doubt. If and only if you find [Appellant] guilty
of the attempted murder of [Victim], you must answer the
following question: Do you, the jury, find beyond a
reasonable doubt that [Appellant’s] attempt to commit
murder caused serious bodily injury to [Victim]?
Let me define for you what serious bodily injury is. Serious
bodily injury is bodily injury that creates a substantial risk
of death or that causes serious permanent disfigurement or
protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily
member or organ.
(N.T., 2/24/17, at 662-64). The jury completed the verdict slip as follows:
VERDICT SLIP
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AND NOW, this 24[th] day of February, 2017, we the
jury…find [Appellant], as follows:
CRIMINAL ATTEMPT TO COMMIT MURDER OF THE
FIRST DEGREE
On the charge of criminal attempt to commit murder of the
first degree, we find [Appellant]:
GUILTY _____X_____
NOT GUILTY ___________
If and only if you find [Appellant] guilty of the Attempted
Murder of [Victim] answer the following question: Do you
the Jury find beyond a reasonable doubt that [Appellant’s]
attempt to commit murder caused Serious Bodily Injury to
[Victim]?
YES _____X_____
NO ___________
(Verdict Slip, February 24, 2017, at 1).
The record demonstrates the Commonwealth gave adequate notice to
Appellant of its intent to prove serious bodily injury in the amended criminal
information. See Barnes, supra. Additionally, the court properly instructed
the jury on the elements of serious bodily injury, and the jury found beyond
a reasonable doubt that Appellant’s attempted murder caused serious bodily
injury to Victim. See id.; Johnson, supra. Therefore, the court’s imposition
of the 40-year maximum sentence did not violate Apprendi. Accordingly, we
affirm the judgment of sentence.
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Judgment of sentence affirmed.
Judgment Entered.
Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.
Prothonotary
Date: 8/10/2018
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Circulated 07/23/2018 10:18 AM
11TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF LUZERNE COUNTY
CRIMINAL DIVISION
. JERONE MOORE
Defendant I Appellant
NO. 3215 of 2015
OPINION
BY: THE HONORABLE DAVID W. LUPAS
I. FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY:
On November 12, 2015, the Luzerne County District Attorney filed a ten (10) count
Information docketed to number 3215 of 2015 charging the above named Defendant with
Attempt Criminal Homicide, 18 Pa.C.S.A. §901, Criminal Conspiracy, 18 Pa.C.S.A.
§903(a)(1), Aggravated Assault, 10 Pa C.S.A. §2702{a)(1); Kidnapping, 18 Pa. C.S.A.
§2901(a)(3) and other related offenses.1 Subsequent to a jury trial commencing on
February 21, 2017, the Defendant was _found guilty of Count One (1) Criminal Attempt to
Commit Homicide and Count Four (4) Kidnapping.2 A Pre-Sentence Investigation was
ordered to be completed by the Luzerne County Adult Probation and Parole Department,
! • .
and a sentencing date was scheduled.
On April 6, 2017 the Commonwealth filed a Motion seeking to amend the pre-
sentence investigation report taking issue with the Defendant's prior record score and
IThe Commonwealth subsequently filed two .Amended Infoanations on September 22, 2016 and February 10, 2017.
2 The Commonwealth withdrew Counts two (2) and three {3) at the conclusion of the evidentiuy portion of the trial ..
(N.T. p. 586) See also (N.T. p. 639-640) ·
1
seeking the application of the deadly weapon sentencing enhancement citing 204 Pa.
Code § 303.1 O(a)(2)(iii). The Commonwealth asserted that the Defendant's actual prior
record score was five (5) and the Pre-Sentence Investigation report which represented
the Defendant's prior record score at three (3) was erroneous. The Defendant, through
his counsel, filed a brief in opposition to the Commonwealth's Motion on April 7, 2017.
Defendant sought a sentence relying on the prior record of three (3); a statutory maximum·
limit of twenty (20} years for count one (1) and no application of the deadly weapon
sentencing enhancement. Arguments were entertained at the sentencing hearing and
after careful· consideration of the parties' briefs, the arguments of counsel and relevant
legal authority, we ruled on the issues finding that the deadly weapon enhancement did
apply to count one (1); that the statutory maximum for count one (1) was forty (40) years
of incarceration and that the Defendant's prior record score was five (5)3. (N.T.
Sentencing p. 17-18).
A sentencing hearing commenced on April 10, 2017, when the Defendant was
sentenced on Count 1 to a term of imprisonment in a state correctional institution of not
less than twenty (20) years to no more than forty (40) years. On Count 4, the Defendant
was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of six (6) years to twenty (20) years to run
consecutive to the sentence on Count 1. (Sentencing N.T. page 27) The Defendant was
subsequently advised by this Court of his post-sentence rights before. the hearing
concluded. (Sentencing N.T. pages 29-30)
3Counsel for the Commonwealth with appropriate candor conceded that the deadly weapon sentencing enhancement
did not apply to count four (4) kidnapping and therefore we considered that request to have been withdrawn. (N.T.
Sentencingp. 12)
2
On April 13, 2017, the Defendant, through his counsel, filed Post Sentence
Motions. By Order dated May 9, 2017 we denied Defendant's Post-Sentence Motions.
On May 16, 2017, the Defendant filed a Notice of Appeal. This Court ordered, on May
18, 2017, that the Defendant file a Concise Statement of Errors Complained of on Appeal
pursuant to Pa.RAP. 1925(b) and requested the Commonwealth to respond thereto.
The Defendant's Rule 1925(b) Statement was submitted on June 5, 2017, and the
Commonwealth's response, following an Order granting an extension of time within which
to file a response, was filed on June 26, 2017. For the reasons set forth below, we believe
the Defendant's allegations of error are without- merit and, therefore, the verdict and
judgment of sentence should be affirmed.
II. LAW AND DISCUSSION:
Counsel raises eleven (11) issues on appeal as outlined in the Defendant's
Concise Statement of Matters Complained of on Appeal. Some of the allegations of error
are factually and legally related. Therefore, we will discuss some of the alleged errors
under one subsection.
A. Evidentiary Issues
The Defendant alleges that we erred in allowing Chloe Issacs to testify to a
statement made by Nygee Taylor, a co-defendant. Over a Defense Objection, the witness
testified that Nygee Taylor admonished the Defendant for apparently having entered a
retail store soon after the attempted killing with the victim's blood on his hands and his
currency. (N.T. p. 286) Counsel for the Commonwealth proffered that the statement was
made in furtherance of the conspiracy and we overruled Defendant's objection.
3
It is well settled that the admission of evidence is within the sound discretion of
the trial court and determinations of admissibility will not be reversed on appeal absent
a clear abuse of discretion. Commonwealth v. Chmiel, 738 A.2d 406, 414 (1999) cert.
denied. 528 US 1131 (2000). An abuse of discretion is not merely an error of judgment.
Commonwealth v. Allburn, 721 A.2d 363, 366 (Pa._ Super 1998) An abuse of discretion
occurs where the record demonstrates that "the court; in reaching a conclusion,
overrides or misapplies the law, or exercises its judgment in a manifestly unreasonable
manner which is the result of partiality, prejudice, bias or ill will." ,lg,_
In the present case the statement of Nygee Taylor is plainly hearsay. Our analysis
does not end there however because. counsel for the Commonwealth· asserted that a
hearsay exception, particularly, the co-conspirator hearsay exception pursuant to Pa. R.
Evid. 803(25)(e), authorized the admission of the statement.
· Pennsylvania Rule of Evidence 802 provides that, "Hearsay is not admissible
except as provided by these rules, by other rules prescribed by the Pennsylvania
Supreme Court, or by statute." Pa R.E. 802. Hearsay is an out-of-court statement
offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted in the statement. Commonwealth v.
Laich, 566 Pa. 19, 25, 777 A.2d 1057, 1060·(2001) citing Commonwealth v. Puksar,
559 Pa. 358, 740 A.2d 219, 225 (1999), cert. denied, 531 U.S. 829, 121 S.Ct. 79, 148
L.Ed.2d 42 (2000).
We note that the party seeking to offer hearsay bears the burden of proof and
must persuade the court that the hearsay statement is admissible against the party
opponent. Harris v. Toys 11RII Us-Penn. Inc., 880 A.2d 1270, Super.2005, appeal denied
895 A.2d 1262, 586 Pa. 770. The co-conspirator exception to the hearsay rule requires:
4
(1) the existence of a conspiracy between the declarant and the defendant must be
demonstrated by a preponderance of the evidence, (2) the statements must be shown
to have been made during the course of the conspiracy, and (3) they must have been
made in furtherance of the common des1gn.''Commonwealth v. Johnson, 838 A.2d 663,
576 Pa. 23, Sup.2003, reargument denied, certiorari denied 125 S.Ct. 617, 543 U.S.
1008, 160 L. Ed.2d 471. See also Pa. R. E. 803(25)(E).
At the time the statement at.issue was offered, we were convinced by a
preponderance of the evidence that there was a conspiracy between the Defendant and
the declarant, Nygee Taylor. Additionally, we found that the declarations were made
during the conspiracy and that they were made in the course of concealing evidence
and in furtherance of the common design of evading capture. See Commonwealth v.
Coccioletti, 493 Pa. 103, 113, 425 A.2d 387, 392 (1981). See also Commonwealth v.
Cull, 656A.2d 476 (Pa.1995) and Commonwealth v. Haag, 562A.2d 289 (Pa. 1989)4•
Accordingly, we remain persuaded that the admission of the hearsay statement was
authorized by both the Pennsylvania Rules of Evidence and relevant case law. 5
The Defendant next complains that we erred in denying his motion for a mistrial.
(N.T. p. 332)
4 We found the facts of the present controversy analogous to Commonwealth v. fuag, 562 A.2d 289 (Pa. 1989). In
Haag, a co-defendant asked a third party to destroy cash registe:r receipts for items used in the commission of the crime.
It was then held that this statement was a continuation of the original conspiracy and the attempt to conceal the
evidence was in furtherance of the conspiracy. Id. We likewise found that Nygee Taylot's statement which in essence
directed the Defendant to conceal evidence of the crime, in this case bloody hands, was also made during the conspitacy
of
and with the goal avoiding detection thus furthering the conspitacy.
5
We note that the hearsay statement likewise did not offend the Confrontation Clause of the United States Constitution
because the statement was non-testimonial. See. Crawford v. Washington, 541 U.S. 36 (2004); See also Commonwealth
v. Holton, 906 A.2d 1246 (Pa. Super. 2006)
5
This issue is waived. The Defendant's counsel did not object at the time the
complained of inquiry was made in response to his cross examination questioning. (N.T.
p. 323-324) Instead, defense counsel continued to cross examine the witness and only
at the conclusion of the witness's testimony did counsel raise the objection. (N.T. p.
326) In order to preserve an issue for appeal a timely and specific objection must be
made. Commonwealth v. Tuc.ker, 143 A.3d 955, (Pa. Super. 2016) See also:
Commonwealth v. Boring, 453 Pa Super. 600, 684 A.2d 561 (Pa. 1990) (Holding that a
motion for a mistrial made subsequent to a sustained objection was untimely when
deferred until the conclusion of the witness testimony a considerable length of time after
the prejudicial remark occurred) In the present case, lik� Tucker, counsel failed to make
his objection until after the completion of both direct and cross examination.
Accordingly, his objection is untimely and this issue is waived.
Defendant next alleges we erred in precluding reference to Nygee Taylor's guilty
plea. (N.T. p. 333-336) We disagree. During the course of the trial in this matter, the
Commonwealth made an oral motion in limine to preclude the admission of any
evidence relative to the co-defendant Nygee Taylor's guilty plea. Following argument
outside the presence of the jury, we granted Commonwealth's Motion in l.lrnine to
exclude evidence of Nygee Taylor's guilty'plea finding the proffered evidence was
'
irrelevant. (N.T. p. Id.)
It has been held by our Pennsylvania Supreme Court that 11it is well settled that
the admission of evidence is within the sound discretion of the Trial Court."
Commonwealth v. Collins, 888 A.2d 564, 577 (Pa. 2005). Additionally, determinations
of admissibility will not be reversed on appeal absent a clear abuse of discretion.
6
Commonwealth v. Chmiel, 738 A.2d 406, 414 (1999) cert. denied. q28 US 1131 (2000).
A trial court's ruling on.a motion in Iimine is "final, conclusive and binding at trial," unless
the Commonwealth files an interlocutory appeal. Commonwealth v. Padilla, 923 A.2d
1189, (Pa. Super. 2007).The standard of review for a trial court's ruling on motions in
limine is abuse of discretion. Commonwealth v. Rosen, 42 A.3d 988 (Pa. 2012) An
abuse of discretion. is not shown merely by an error in judgment. Rather, the Defendant
must establish, by appropriate reference to the record, that the sentencing judge
ignored or. misapplied the law, exercised his judgment for reasons of partiality,
prejudice, bias, or ill-will, or arrived at a manifestly unreasonable decision. ·
Commonwealth v. Zurburg, 937 A.2d 1131 (Pa. Super. 2007).
Rule 401 of the Pennsylvania
.
Rules. of Evidence states, "Relevant evidence means
evidence having any tendency to make the existence of any fact that is of consequence
to the determination of the action more probable or less probable than it would be without
the evidence." Pa.RE. 401. Also, Rule 403 states, "Although relevant, evidence may be
excluded if its probative value is outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion
of the issues, or misleading the jury, or by considerations of undue delay, waste of time,
or needless presentation of cumulative evidence." Pa.RE. 403.
We further note that aithough a defendant does indeed have a fundamental right
to present defensive evidence, that right is not absolute. Such evidence is admissible
provided that it is relevant and not excluded by an established evidentiary rule."
Commonwealth v. Seibert, 2002 PA Super 15, 799 A.2d 54, 67 (Pa. Super. 2002)
(internal quotation marks and citation omitted). See also Chambers v. Mississippi, 41 O
U.S. 284, 93 S. Ct. .1038, ·35 L. Ed. 2d 297 (1973). Our Pennsylvania Supreme Court
7
has observed that an accused exercising his or her right to present evidence "must
comply with established rules of procedure and evidence .... " Commonwealth v.
Bracero, 515 Pa. 355, 363, 528 A.2d 936, 939 (1987) (quoting Chambers, 41.0 U.S. at
In the present case, the Defendant was barred from presenting the jury with
evidence of the co-defendant's guilty plea and sentence because that evidence was
simply not relevant to any of the issu�s before the jury. Evidence is not relevant "unless
the inference sought to be. raised by it bears upon a matter in issue and renders the
desired inference. more probable than it would be without the evidence." Commonwealth
v. Vallejo, 532 Pa. 558, 616 A.2d 974, 976 (Pa. 1992). The evidence proffered here, a
. '
co-defendant's guilty plea, was represented by defendant's counsel to be relevant to
establish that Defendant was not guilty because the co-defendant had admitted guilt..
(N.T. p. 334) One co-defendant's guilt does not create the inference of another's
innocence in a case like the instant one where it was alleged that the Defendant and his
co-defendant conspired to kill and did attempt to kill another human beinq. Nygee Taylor's
guilty plea had no bearing on the issues being tried against Defendant. The proposed
testimony/evidence was irrelevant. However, even if the evidence was deemed relevant,
its probative value was clearly outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice to the
Commonwealth and confusion of the issues for the jury. Accordingly, Defendant's
allegation of error is without merit.
Defendant next alleges that we erred admitting a text message represented to be
evidence of consciousness of guilt: We disagree.
8
We incorporate by reference our prior recitation of the relevant case law and
statutory authority regarding the admission of relevant evidence. We further note that
we did not instruct the jury on consciousness of guilt. The statement at issue was
retrieved from what was representetj to be the Defendant's cellular telephone. (N.T. p.
484-489) The item represented to be the Defendant's phone was admitted into evidence
without objection .. (N.T. p 484) Defense counsel's subsequently made two objections
regarding the statement, "A lot of shit went down bae nits bad I need to leave." (N.T. p.
484-487) Defendant's first objection was as follows:
Mr. Lampman: "Judge, 'I'm going to object to that based upon the fact that neither
I nor the commonwealth know who this message is being sent to and what the context
of the conversation is. I understand the Commonwe.alth is �ying that it was sent from
my client's phone to someone; but again, I think context here matters." (N.T. p. 484)
Ms. Sperazza: Your honor, the bestway that Trooper Urban can contextualize it
is to say that it was sent on this time on this day. If he wants to argue the context of the
admission, he can do that; but that doesn't.keep it from coming in.
Mr. Lampman: Judge, I just - I'm not sure it's admissible. I don't know how---
Ms. Sperrazza: It was on his phone that was legally obtained in the search.
Mr. Lampman: I'm not saying-I agree that he consented to having his phone
searched, but I don't think it's an admission.
Ms. Phillips: It is.
Ms. Sperrazza: A lot of shit went down bae n its bad I need to leave. It
consciousness of guilt.
Mr. Lampman: No, I don't think it is. An9 he could be talking about something
else. (N.T. p. 484-485)
Subsequently the court allowed the Commonwealth to proceed to admit the
proffered evidence. (N.T. p. 485) We note that the offense date for the Defendant's
charges as alleged in the Criminal Information was October 5, 2014. The text message
9
at issue which the parties concede was sent from a telephone belonging to the
. Defendant was sent on October 5th 2014. (N.T. p. 489); We allowed the evidence
because we found the evidence to be relevant. Defense counsel's objection was that
the context of the message was not better developed. We overruled his objection
because demonstrating the context of an admission is not a prerequisite to admissibility.
_ The proponent offering the evidence need only persuade the court that the evidence is
relevant. Flight soon after a crime is relevant and may indicate consciousness of guilt.
Commonwealth v. Bruce, 717 A.2d 1033, .1037-38 (Pa. Super 1998). We determined
that the evidence was relevant and allowed the evidence to be presented. If there was
an alternative context which could have explained away the inference the
Commonwealth sought to create counsel was free to pursue that.
Defense counsel's second objection to this line of questioning took issue with the
witness' testimony that the Defendant was the source of the message. (N.T. p. 487)
Defendant's allegation of error in his concise statement does address this objection so
we decline to analyze the issue or write in support of our ruling.
Defendant next alleges we erred "in limiting Mr. Moore's confrontation rights
concerning Trooper Urban's investigation reports." We disagree.
Defendant's counsel sought to introduce the statements of third parties through
his questioning of a trooper with the Pennsylvania State Police who authored several
reports in the course of his lnvestiqatlon, Following the �rguments of counsel at sidebar,
we concluded that the purported evidence was hearsay without exception and
consequently we deemed the evidence inadmissible. (N.T. p, 542) Pennsylvania Rule of
Evidence 802 provides that, "Hearsay is not admissible except as provided by these·
IO
rules, by other rules prescribed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, or by statute." Pa
RE. 802. Hearsay is an out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of the matter
asserted in the statement. Commonwealth v. Laich, 566 Pa. 19, 25, 777 A.2d 1057,
1060 (2001) citing Commonwealth v. Puksar, 559 Pa. 358, 740 A.2d 219, 225 (1999),
cert. denied, 531 U.S. 829, 121 S.Ct. 79, 148 L.Ed.2d 42 (2.000).
Testimonial statements of third parties made to law enforcement officers are
hearsay and the officer memorializing the statement into a written report is not itself a
hearsay exception. Commonwealth v. May, 898 A.2d 559 (Pa. 2006). The Defendant,
who as the proponent offering the hearsay evidence bears 1he burden of proof, offered
no exception to the prohibition against hearsay in response to the Commonwealth's
objection. See Harris v. Toys "R" Us-Penn, los. 880 A.2d 1270, Super.2005, appeal
denied 895 A.2d 1262, 586 Pa. 770. We further find no indication that the Defendant's
confrontation rights were implicated or offended by our ruling. Counsel was free to call
the witnesses whose testimony he sought to introduce. This issue is without merit and
Defendant's appeal fails.
Defendant next alleges the court abused its discretion by overruling
Defendant's objection to his witness, the co-defendant Nygee Taylor invoking his Fifth
Amendment privilege outside the presence of the jury. This allegation of error is
meritless. An abuse of discretion is not shown merely by an error in judgment. Rather,
the Defendant must establish, by appropriate reference to the record, that the
sentencing judge ignored or misapplied the law, exercised his judgment for reasons of
partiality, prejudice, bias, or ill-will, or arrived at a manifestly unreasonable decision.
Commonwealth v. Zurburg, 937 A.2d 1131 (Pa. Super. 2007).
11.
There is no mandatory procedure for invoking privilege though our Honorable
Superior Court has indicated it is acceptable to conduct an in camera review outside the
presence of the jury. Commonwealth v. Treat, 848 A.2d 147 (Pa. Super. 2004) See also
Commonwealth v. Rodgers, 472 Pa. 435, 372 A.2d 771 (1997). We brought the witness
before the court outside the presence of the jury and following a hearing we determined
that the witness both invoked Fifth Amendment privilege and that he was entitled to
invoke that privilege.6 (N.T. p. 579-582) See also Mitchell v. United States, 526 U.S. 314(1999). Because the jury may not intuit any inference from the purported witness's
testimony, no legitimate purpose would be served by his invoking privilege in their
presence. Thus, the hearing was conducted outside the presence of the jury because
the testimony and argument on the issue was not relevant. to any issue before the jury.
B. Sentencing Issues
Defendant's concise statement raises a series of sentencing issues which we will
analyze collectively. In sum the Defendant alleges that we erred by applying an
erroneous prior record score; 'erred in applying the deadly weapon sentencing
enhancement; sentenced the Defendant in excess of the statutory maximum sentence;
erred by placing the issue of serious bodily injury on the verdict slip; and abused our
discretion in sentencing the Defendant. We find each of these allegations to be
meritless.
6Defendant's counsel conceded that his purported witness, Mr. Nygee Taylor could invoke Fifth Amendment privilege.
(N'.T. p. 559-560) We presided over the guilty plea for the witness Nygee Taylor and after the conduct of a hearing and a
careful review of the entire record in this matter we independently determined that Mr. Taylor was entitled to invoke
privilege.
12
Noting that we are constrained to use the deadly weapon sentencing enhancement
where the facts warrant its application, we found that the deadly weapon enhancement
did apply to count one (1} because it was abundantly clear that a knife was used to inflict
the injury ·upon the victim in the case. See Commonwealth v. Septak, 518 A.2d .1284
(1986) (N.T. p. 199-201}
The Defendant's· complaint relative to his prior record score also fails. The
sentencing court must consider the sentencing_guidelines. 42 Pa. C.S.A. §9721(b); 204
Pa. Code 303_. 1 (a). Judge Donahue writing for the court in Commonwealth v. Spenny
succinctly presented the sentencing guideline calculation as follows: "To determine the
· guidelines for each conviction, the trial court must establish the offense gravity score and,
of relevance to this appeal, the defendant's prior record score. 204 Pa Code§ 303.2(a)
The prior record score is based on the number and type of prior convictions the defendant
has on his or her criminal record. 204 Pa. Code§ 303.4(a). Each prior conviction is given
a point value ranging between one and four points. See generally 204 Pa. Code §§ 303. 7,
303.15. Sections 303. 7 and 303.15 set forth a point value for every Pennsylvania criminal
offense." Commonwealth v. Spenny, 128 A.2d 234, (Pa. Super 2015).
The pre-sentence investigation report, hereinafter, PSI, represented that the
Defendant's prior record score was three (3). The Commonwealth's Motion to amend the
PSI which argued that Defendant's prior record .score was five (5) included exhibits
marked "a", "b" and "c" which respectively identified the Defendant's relevant criminal
history evidencing a conviction for "manslaughter in the 1st: with intent to cause serious
physical injury," New York State's statute defining manslaughter in the first degree and
13
New York State's statute governing periods of incarceration for various grades of felonies.
(Commonwealth's brief April 6, 2017).
In Commonwealth v. Bolden, the Honorable Superior Court ·set forth the method
tor calculating prior record score points for convictions outside Pennsylvania .
..
Commonwealth v. Bolden, 532 A.2d 1172, (Pa Super 1987). Bolden requires a careful
and independent analysis of the elements of the out of state conviction. Id. The next part
of the analysis is to then compare the elements of the foreign conviction to an equivalent
Pennsylvania offense. Id. Section 303.S(f) of the Pennsylvania Code codifies the rule set
forth in Bolden. 204 Pa. Code 303.S(f). Exhibit "b" attached to the Commonwealth's
motion to amend the PSI included a copy of New York State's statute for first degree
manslaughter which read as follows: A person is guilty of manslaughter in the first degree
when: (1) With intent to cause serious physical injury, he causes the death of such person
or of a third person. Exhibit "b" Commonwealth's motion to amend PSI.
Defendant's counsel argued that the New York conviction was equivalent to
lnvoluntary manslaughter. (N.T. Sentencing p. 8) we· considered the parties' brJefs and
arguments and we concluded that the Defendant's New York conviction was equivalent
to Pennsylvania's third degree. murder statute. Pursuant to 204 Pa. Code § 303.15, third
degree murder, 18 Pa. C.S.A §2502(c), warrants that four (4) prior record score points be
assessed to the Defendant. Accordingly, Defendant's appeal fails.
Defendant also alleges that the evidence was insufficient and that the verdict is
against the weight of the evidence. Insofar as Defendant's concise statement references
the arguments made in his Post Sentence motion which was filed on April 13, 2017, we
are able to identify with sufficient specificity the issue he intends to raise, particularly, that
14
the jury's determination that the victim suffered serious bodily injury was based upon
insufficient evidence. Having presided over the trial in this matter, we conclude that the ·
evidence presented was more than sufficient to enable the jury to determine that the
victim sustainea a serious_ boa11y mJury.
When reviewing a sufficiency of the evidence claim, a court examines all
evidence and reasonable inferences there from in a light most favorable to the verdict
winner, and then determines where the evidence is sufficient to enable a fact finder to
determine that all elements of the offenses were established beyond a reasonable·
"
'·,
doubt. Commonwealth v. Hawkins, 549 Pa. 352, 701 A.2d 492, 499 (Pa. 1Q97).
Only where the evidence offered to support the verdict is in contradiction to the
physical facts, in contravention to human experience and the law of nature, is it deemed
insufficient as amatter of law. Commonwealth v. Robinson, 817 A.2d. 1153, 1158
(Pa.Super. 2003 quoting Commonwealth v. Santana, 460 Pa. 482, 333 A.2d 876(1975)). The evidence must be viewed in the light most favorable to the Commonwealth
as verdict winner, accept as true all the evidence and all reasonable inferences upon
which, if believed, the jury could properly have based its verdict, and determine whether
such evidence and inferences are sufficient in law to prove guilt beyond a reasonable
doubt. Commonwealth v. Scatena, 508 Pa. 512, 498 A.2d 1314, 1317 (1985). After a
careful review of the record, and having intently presided over the presentation of the
evidence, we find no reason to doubt the jury's verdict.
Complaints that a verdict is against the weight of the evidence concede that there
is sufficient evidence to sustain the verdict. Commonwealth v. Widmer, 744 A.2d 745· (Pa. 2000) citing Commonwealth v. Whiteman, 485 A.2d 459 (1984). The weight of the
15
evidence is a question for the finder of fact. Commonwealth .v. Jackson, 485 A.2d 1102,
1104 (1984). An appellate court "can only reverse the lower courts verdict if it is so
contrary tothe evidence as to shock one's sense of justice." Commonwealth v. Whitney,
512 A.2d 1152 {Pa. 1986). Defendant's post sentence motion filed. on April. 13, 2017
properly submitted the issue to our discretion. Pa. R. Crim. 607 See also
Commonwealth v. Widmer, 698 A.2d 211 (Pa. 1997). We denied Defendant's motion
because the verdict did not shock our sense of justice. After a careful review of the
entire record in this matter, our opinion has not changed. Accordingly, Defendant's
motion fails.
We also therefore found that the appropriate statutory maximum penalty for count
one (1) was forty (40) years pursuant to 18 Pa. C.S. §1102(c) and 18 Pa. C.S. §2301
which defines serious bodily injury. We instructed the jury as to what constitutes serious
-
bodily injury. (N.T. p. 664) The verdict slip in this case specifically asked the jury if they
found beyond a reasonable doubt that the victim sustained a .serious bodily injury and
they unanimously responded in the affirmative. The victim in this case testified that the
Defendant cut her hand and her throatjN.T, 199�201) Consequently, we did not hesitate
to sentence the Defendant to a maximum of forty (40) years of incarceration on count one
(1) pursuant to 18 Pa. C.S. §1102(c}.
Nor is the Defendant's sentence illegal pursuant to Alleyne v. United States, 133.
S. Ct. 2151 (2013) or Commonwealth v. Valentine, 101 A.3d 801 (Pa. Super. 2014)
. Neither of those cases stand for the proposition that 18 Pa. C.S. §1102(c) is rendered
moot. The Legislature promulgated 18 Pa. C.S. §1102(c} and in the absence of authority
suggesting otherwise we endeavor to give it effect. To that end, we placed the issue on
16
the verdict slip asking the jury if they found that the victim sustained a serious bodily injury
beyond a reasonable doubt.
Alleyne v. United States requires that any fact that increases the mandatory
minimum is an element of the crime that must be submitted to the jury. Alleyne v. United
States, 133 S. Ct. 2151 (2013). The Superior Court's Opinion in Valentine, reacting to the
holding in Alleyne addresses 42 Pa C.S. §9712 and 42 Pa. C.S.A § 9713. These statutes
are plainly distinguishable from 18 Pa. C.S. § 1102. Both of the statutes addressed in
Valentine include a "proof at sentencing" requirement which directs how a court should
proceed prior to imposing a mandatory minimum sentence. See 42 Pa. C.S. 9712(b) and
42 Pa. C.S. 9713(c). The section pursuant to which the Defendant was sentenced, 18 Pa.
C.S. §1102, does not require proof at sentencing like the statutes in the cases cited by
Defendant. Consequently, the procedure we used to determine whether the victim
sustained a serious bodily injury does not offend the Constitution or the holding in Alleyne.
See Commonwealth v. Johnson, 910 A.2d 60 (Pa Super. 2006) Accordingl�. Defendant's
appeal fails.
Defendant also alleges that the court abused its discretion in sentencing him to
twenty-six (26) to sixty (60) years of incarceration. Initially, we note that the sentences
imposed were within the standard range of sentencing guidelines governing the above-
referenced crimes, and said sentences were an . appropriate exercise of the Court's
discretion. Furthermore, the serious nature of the offenses and the impact of the crime
on the victim were considered prior to imposition of sentence. The Defendant's actions
as presented at trial are intolerable in a civilized society and a lengthy sentence is
warranted.'
17
The Defendant's challenge to this Court's discretion in fashioning the sentences
imposed on April 10, 20·17 does not present a substantial question permitting appellate
review .of the discretionary aspects ofsentencing. Commonwealth v. McWilliams, 887
A.2ct7M:f87 (Pa.Super. 2
The law in this Commonwealth is clear. There is no absolute right to appeal the
discretionary aspects of a sentence. Commonwealth v. Mouzon, 571 Pa. 419, 812 A.2d
617 (2002). Rather, allowance of appeal will be permitted only. when the appellate court
determines that there is a substantial question that the sentence is not appropriate under
the Sentencing Code. · · The determination of what constitutes a substantial question is
made on a case by case basis. Commonwealth v. McNabb, 819 A.2d 54 (Pa. Super.
2003). A substantial question exists where an appellant sets forth a plausible argument
that the sentence violates a particular provlslon of the Sentencing Code or is contrary to
the fundamental norms underlying the sentencing process. Commonwealth v. Boyer, 856
A.2d 149 (Pa. Super. 2004). Here, no such argument was posited by the Defendant. The
Defendant's mere dissatisfaction with his sentence entitles him to no relief.
For each of the reasons outlined above, the Defendant's allegations of error are
without merit. Accordingly, the verdict and judgment of sentence should be affirmed.
END OF OPINION
18