Com. v. Aiello, F. ( 2022 )

J-S19027-22
NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.0.P. 65.37
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
: PENNSYLVANIA
FRANK AIELLO
Appellant : No. 2117 EDA 2021
Appeal from the PCRA Order Entered September 20, 2021
In the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County Criminal Division at
No(s): CP-51-CR-0001922-2015
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
: PENNSYLVANIA
FRANK AIELLO
Appellant : No. 2118 EDA 2021
Appeal from the PCRA Order Entered September 20, 2021
In the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County Criminal Division at
No(s): CP-51-CR-0001923-2015
BEFORE: PANELLA, P.J., OLSON, J., and STEVENS, P.J.E.*
MEMORANDUM BY OLSON, J.: FILED JULY 25, 2022
Appellant, Frank Aiello, appeals from the order entered on September
20, 2021, which dismissed his petition filed under the Post Conviction Relief
Act (“PCRA”), 42 Pa.C.S.A. §§ 9541-9546. We affirm.
The trial court ably summarized the underlying facts of this case:
“ Former Justice specially assigned to the Superior Court.
J-S19027-22
On November 29, 2014, [C.M. (hereinafter “the Victim”) ]
invited Appellant over her house for Thanksgiving leftovers.
Appellant had recently been struggling because he had not
seen his kids in a long time. [The Victim] invited him over to
see if he was doing alright. After [the Victim] made Appellant
a plate of leftovers, she asked Appellant to leave, but he
refused. During the argument that followed, Appellant said
that he was going to kill himself and [the Victim]. Appellant
then began to hit [the Victim] with a closed fist to her head
and body. [The Victim] rushed to the bathroom and called
the neighbors by cell phone to tell them to call the police. As
[the Victim] was in the bathroom, Appellant asked her if she
was Calling the cops and if she had her cell phone. When [the
Victim] came out of the bathroom, Appellant retrieved a
butcher's knife from the kitchen. Shortly after, there was a
knock on the front door and Appellant told [the Victim] not
to answer. When [the Victim] went toward the door,
Appellant put the knife up to her chest. Appellant stabbed
[the Victim] in the chest, leaving a penetrating wound just
above her heart. As a result, [the Victim has] a scar that is
approximately [two to two-and-a-half] inches long. At this
time, police entered the residence.
[Philadelphia] Police Officer [Philip] Cherry stated that he
pulled up to the [the Victim’s house] behind Lieutenant
[Kevin] Wong. Officer Cherry exited his vehicle and
approached [the Victim’s] house. As he approached, he could
hear a lot of yelling, screaming and some banging. He and
Lieutenant Wong knocked on the front door several times
trying to gain entry. After the officers made entry into the
home, they observed [the Victim] standing just to the left of
the front door and Appellant standing on a landing area with
a knife in his hand waving it back and forth with the blade
facing outward. Officer Cherry then pulled [the Victim]
behind him, pulled his firearm and kept Appellant at
gunpoint. Officer Cherry gave Appellant several verbal
commands to put the knife down but he did not comply.
Appellant then stated that if the officers took a step towards
him that there are going to be problems and it will not end
well. He also stated that if they took a step towards him that
he would kill them.
Officer Cherry then asked Officer [Michael] Edwards to deploy
his taser to avoid any bloodshed. Officer Edwards deployed
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J-S19027-22
the taser and struck Appellant. Appellant fell backwards but
still clenched [] the knife. The officers then approached
Appellant and as Officer Cherry got close to get the knife out
of his hand, Appellant swung the knife downward toward
Officer Cherry's right foot. Fortunately, Officer Cherry was
quick enough to jump back to avoid the knife. Officer
Edwards deployed another charge of the taser to keep
Appellant from swinging the knife again. Once he hit
Appellant again, the knife flew out of his hand and landed
towards the bathroom. The officers then handcuffed
Appellant. After the incident, [the Victim] was taken to the
hospital and as a result of Appellant's assault, sustained a
punctured lung. She remained at Temple Hospital for about
[five] days.
Trial Court Opinion, 9/1/17, at 2-4 (citations omitted).
Following a bench trial, Appellant was convicted of attempted murder,
aggravated assault, possessing instruments of crime (“PIC”), terroristic
threats, and recklessly endangering another person (“REAP”) at docket
number CP-51-CR-0001922-2015! and PIC, terroristic threats, REAP, and
aggravated assault at docket number CP-51-CR-0001923-2015.2 On July 18,
2016, the trial court sentenced Appellant to serve an aggregate term of 11 to
30 years in prison for his convictions. See N.T. Sentencing, 7/18/16, at 53.
We affirmed Appellant’s judgment of sentence on October 25, 2018; Appellant
did not file a petition for allowance of appeal with the Pennsylvania Supreme
Court. Commonwealth v. Aiello, 200 A.3d 602 (Pa. Super. 2018)
(unpublished memorandum) at 1-8.
1 18 Pa.C.S.A. §§ 901(a), 2702(a), 907(a), 2706(a)(1), and 2705,
respectively.
218 Pa.C.S.A. §§ 907(a), 2706(a)(1), 2705, and 2702(a)(1), respectively.
-3-
J-S19027-22
On September 30, 2019, Appellant filed a timely, pro se PCRA petition.
The PCRA court appointed counsel to represent Appellant during the
proceedings and counsel filed an amended petition on Appellant’s behalf.
Within the amended petition, Appellant claimed that trial counsel was
ineffective, as counsel: “fail[ed] to properly investigate, subpoena and
present available defense evidence and witnesses;” “fail[ed] to appropriately
cross-examine Commonwealth witnesses;” and, improperly “conced[ed] an
essential element of the crime charged during closing arguments.” Amended
PCRA Petition, 4/22/21, at 2. Further, Appellant claimed that his
“constitutional rights were violated by multiple instances of prosecutorial
misconduct, as well as a conviction based on evidence that did not establish
his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.” Id. (some capitalization omitted).
On August 13, 2021, the PCRA court notified Appellant that it intended
to dismiss his petition in 20 days, without a hearing, as the petition was
without merit. PCRA Court Notice, 8/13/21, at 1; see also Pa.R.Crim.P.
907(1). Appellant did not respond to the PCRA court’s Rule 907 notice and,
on September 20, 2021, the PCRA court finally dismissed Appellant’s petition.
PCRA Court Order, 9/20/21, at 1.
Appellant filed a timely notice of appeal. He raises four claims to this
Court:
1. Whether the PCRA court erred by dismissing the PCRA
petition when clear and convincing evidence was presented
to establish that trial counsel was ineffective for failing to
properly investigate, subpoena and present available defense
evidence and_ witnesses; failing to appropriately
-4-
J-S19027-22
cross-examine Commonwealth witnesses; and conceding an
essential element of the crime charged during closing
arguments.
2. Whether the PCRA court erred by dismissing the PCRA
petition when clear and convincing evidence was presented
to establish that appellate counsel was ineffective for failing
to pursue in the appellate brief the claim of the sentencing
court’s abuse of discretion, despite raising the issue in the
1925(b) statement.
3. Whether the PCRA court erred by dismissing the PCRA
petition when clear and convincing evidence was presented
to establish violations of [Appellant’s] constitutional rights
under the United States and Pennsylvania Constitutions,
including multiple instances of prosecutorial misconduct, as
well as a conviction based on evidence that did not establish
his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
4. Whether the PCRA court erred by failing to grant an
evidentiary hearing.
Appellant’s Brief at 9.
We have reviewed the briefs of the parties, the relevant law, the certified
record, the notes of testimony, and the opinion of the able PCRA court judge,
the Honorable Diana L. Anhalt. We conclude that Appellant is not entitled to
relief in this case, for the reasons expressed in Judge Anhalt’s December 17,
2021 opinion. Therefore, we affirm on the basis of Judge Anhalt’s thorough
opinion and adopt it as our own. In any future filing with this or any other
court addressing this ruling, the filing party shall attach a copy of Judge
Anhalt’s December 17, 2021 opinion.
Order affirmed. Jurisdiction relinquished.
J-S19027-22
Judgment Entered.
Joseph D. Seletyn, Es
Prothonotary
Date: 7/25/2022
Circulated 06/28/2022 10:47 AM
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS PHILADELPHIA COUNTY
CRIMINAL TRIAL DIVISION
COMMONWEALTH OF : CP-51-CR-1922-2015
PENNSYLVANIA ; CP-51-CR-1923-2015
Y, ;
FRANK AIELLO : 2117 EDA 2021
FILED
- DEC 27.
OPINION on 17 202
Oiite of Judicial R
AppeatsiPost hig «=
ANHALT, J.
Petitioner in the. above captioned matter appeals this court’s judgment.
regarding the dismissal of his Post Conviction Relief Act (“PCRA”) Petition. The
‘court submits the following Opinion in accordance with he requirement of
Pa.R.AP. 1925(a), For the reasons set forth herein, Petitioner’s PCRA Petition
should be dismissed..
PROCEDURAL HISTORY
On November 29, 2014, police arrested and. charged Petitioner with Attempt
to Commit Murder, Aggravated Assault, Possessing Instruments of Crime (“PIC”),
Terroristic Threats. with intent to terrorize another and Recklessly Endangering
Another Person (“REAP) on docket CP-51-CR-1922-2015 12" as well as PIC,
118 Pa.C.S; $$ 901(a), 2702 (a), 907 (a), and 2705, respectively.
2 Police charged Petitioner with other crimes, however, he was acquitted of these.
1
Terroristic Threats, REAP and Aggravated Assault on docket CP-51-CR-1923-
20153, Petitioner was convicted of the aforementioned charges on February 9,
2016 and sentenced to an aggregate term of incarceration of eight to twenty years.
Petitioner filed a timely Notice of Appeal to the Superior Court.* On October 18,
9018, in an unpublished opinion, the Superior Court affirmed Petitioner’s
conviction.
Petitioner filed his timely PCRA Petition on September 30, 2019. The court
appointed present counsel on October 8, 2019. In his initial PCRA Petition,
Petitioner asserted only one claim: that his direct appeal counsel was ineffective:
for not filing an appeal to the PA Supreme Court despite the fact that Petitioner
requested he do so, On December 8, 2020 and January 26, 2021, the court held an
evideritiary hearing via video due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Petitioner agreed to
have his case heard this way. After the hearing, the court denied the initial PCRA
filing, finding no ineffective assistance.of counsel.
Subsequently, the court allowed counsel to file an amended PCRA petition,
which he did on April 22, 2021. On October 13, 2021, the court dismissed the.
PCRA Pétition. Current:counsel filed a Notice of Appeal on October 13, 2021,
Petitioner raises the following issues on appeal, copied verbatim:
2 18 Pa.C.S. §§ 907(a), 2706 (a)(1), 2705 and 2702 (a)(1), respectively.
‘ Commonwealth v, Aiello, 2018 WL 5290707 (Pa, Super. October 25, 2018):
2
1. The PCRA Court erred by dismissing Petitioner’s petition for post-
conviction relief, Petitioner established by clear and convincing evidence
that he was denied effective assistance of trial counsel as guaranteed by
the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution and the
analogous provision of the Pennsylvania Constitution. Petitioner was
entitled to relief pursuant to ‘Section 9543(a)(2)9ii) of the PCRA based on.
trial counsel’s ineffectiveness, Trial counsel failed to provide effective
assistance by failing to properly investigate, subpoena and present
available defense evidence and witnesses; failing to: appropriately cross-
examine Commonwealth witnesses;-and conceding an essential element.
of the crime charged during closing arguments. Petitioner’s claims have.
arguable merit, counsel’s action or omissions were not reasonably
designed to advance:appellnat’s interest, and Petitioner was severely.
prejudiced by trial counsel’s deficiericies.
2. Petitioner was also entitled to relief pursuant to Section 9543(a)(2)(it) of
the PCRA based on appellate ccounsel’s ineffectiveness. Appeate
counsel raised.a.claim of the trial court’s abuse of discretion at
sentencing in the 1925 (b) statement of matters complained of on appeal,
yet never pursued the claim in the Appellate brief filed with the Superior
Court Additionally, appellate counsel failed to pursue a Petition for
Allowance of Appeal with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, despite.
Petitioner’s specific request.
3. Petitioner was also entitled to relief pursuant:to Section 9543(a)(2)G) of
the PCRA based on the violation of his Sixth Amendment Due Process
constitutional rights. Petitioner established constitution violations by
clear and convincing evidence that established ineffective assistance of
counsel, multiple instances of ‘prosecutorial misconduct,.as. well.as a
conviction based on evidence that did not establish his guilt beyond a
reasonable doubt.
4, The PCRA court erred by dismissing Petitioner’s petition for post-
conviction relief without an evidentiary hearing. Petitioner was entitled
to an evidentiary hearing to prove the validity of his factual and legal
claims. An evidentiary hearing was required before the-court could
decide the merits of Petitioner’s claims. Petitioner should have been |
given every conceivable, legitimate benefit in the disposition of his claim.
for an evidentiary hearing.
No relief is due.
FACTUAL HISTORY
On November 29, 2014, Ms. Chery! Mollo invited Petitioner to her house for
Thanksgiving leftovers. (Notes of Testimony 2/8/16 at 33). Petitioner had
recently been struggling because he haiin’t seen his children in some time. Jd. at
32. Ms. Mollo made Petitioner a plate of food. After she made him the plate of
food, she asked Petitioner toleave and he refused, Jd. at 12. During the argument
that followed, Petitioner threatened to kill himself and Ms. Mollo. id. at 12-13.
Petitioner began to-hit her with a closed fist to her head and her body, numerous
times. Jd, at’13-14. She fled to the bathroom and called a neighbor and asked that
person to call the police. Jd. at 14-15, As she was in the bathroom, Petitioner
asked her if she was calling the police and if she had her cell phone with her. Id. at
16, After she came out of the bathroom, Petitioner retrieved.a butcher knife from
the kitchen. Jd, at 16-17.. Shortly thereafter, there was 4 knock atthe front door.
Petitioner told Ms. Mollo not to answer. Id. at 18. When she walked towards:the
door, Petitioner put the knife up to her chest. Jd. at:-19. Petitioner stabbed her in.
her chest, leaving, a penetrating wound just above her heart. Jd. As aresult, Ms.
Mollo had a scar that is approximately 2 to 2 % inches long. Jd, at 21.
Police were on the other side ofthe front door. Police Officer Cherry pulled
up to the house-at 2605 8. 9" Street in Philadelphia with his partner, Lieutenant
Wong. (Notes of Testimony, 2/9/16. at 6). He testified that when he exited his car,
he could hear a lot of yelling, screaming and banging. Jd. He knocked on the door
several times and-attempted to gain entry into the house. Jd. After they made entry
into the home, Officer Cherry observed Ms. Mollo standing just to the left.of the.
front door and Petitioner standing on a landing area:close to. her with a knife in his
hand, waving the knife: back and forth with the blade facing outward. Id. 6-7.
Officer Cherry pulled Ms; Molle behind. him, pulled his firearm out of its holster
and held Petitioner at gunpoint. fa. Officer Cherry gave Petitioner several
commands to ddrop the knife. Jd. Petitioner did not comply. Jd. at 8. Petitioner
told Officer Cherry that if the officers took a step towards him, there were going to
be problems and it will not end well. Id. He-also stated that if they took a.step
towards them, he would kill them. Jd. at 9.
Officer Cherry asked another responding officer to deploy his taser to
subdue Petitioner. Jd. at 8-9. Officer Edwards deployed the taser and struck
Petitioner. [d. at 10, He fell backwards, still clutching the knife. Jd. The officers
approached Petitioner to try to disarm him, but he swung the knife downward
toward Officer Cherry’s right foot. Jd. Fortunately, Officer Cherry was able to
avoid the knife attack. Jd. at 10-11. Officer Edwards deployed another charge of
the taser to keep Petitioner from swinging, the knife again. Id. at 42-13. Once the
second taser struck Petitioner, the knife flew out of his hand and officers arrested
Petitioner. Id. at.13.
Ms: Mollo was taken to the hospital where she was treated for a punctured
jung. (N.T. at 22). She was released from Temple University Hospital after being
treated there for five days. Id.
DISCUSSION
Petitioner raises several claims under Section 9543(a)(2)(i) and (ii). Each
will be broken down accordingly.
INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL
It is well-settled that counsel is presumed to be effective and defendant bears
the burden of establishing ineffectiveness. Commonwealth v. Pierce, 527 A.2d 973(Pa. 1987). The standard required to establish a claim of ineffective assistance of
counsel is well-established: (1) The issues underlying the claim of ineffectiveness
have arguable merit; (2). defense counsel’s act or omission was not reasonably
designed to advance the interests of the defendant; and (3) there is a reasonable
probability that, but for counsel’s ineffectiveness, the result of the proceeding
would have been different. Id; See also Strickland v. Washington, 466 US. 668,
80 L. Ed. 2d 674, 104 §. Ct. 2052.(1984). The Court must reject the ineffectiveness
claim if a defendant fails to satisfy any prong of the test. Commonwealth y. Fulton,
830 A.2d 567, 572 (Pa..2003). Courts are not required to analyze the elements in
any particular order; instead, if a claim fails under any necessary element the court
iay proceed to that element first. Commonwealth v. Lesko, 15 A.3d 345, 380 (Pa.
6
2011). In determining whether the result of the proceeding would have been
different, the Court must use a “reasonable probability” standard. Commonwealth
y, Petras, 534 A.2d 483 (Pa. Super. 1987), Strickland v. Washington, supra.Under this standard, Petitioner’s claims of ineffective counsel provide no basis:
for relief, Petitioner cannot establish that his claims have merit and that counsel’s
actions, or lack thereof caused him to suffer prejudice.
1. Trial counsel was not ineffective for failing to -properly investigate,
subpoena, and present available defense evidence and. witnesses.
Claims of ineffectiveness of counsel cannot be considered in a vacuum.
Commonwealth v. Lowery, 784 A.2d 795, 801 (Pa. Super. 2001). To be entitled to
an evidentiary hearing, a defendant must set forth an offer to.prove sufficient facts
that a court can conclude that counsel may have been ineffective. Commonwealth
vy. Priovolos, 715 A.2d 420, 422 (Pa. 1998). Petitioner has failed to meet his
burden. He provides no cell phone records nor bank
statements/records/photographs to prove the things which he claims they say.
Moreover, even iffhe did produce those records, he cannot demonstrate a
probability that the trial results would have been different. Both the complaining
witness and the defendant agreed in their testimony that they had a 35. year
relationship; Petitioner slept. at her house the night before the incident and had
stayed there on previous occasions. They both stated that Ms. Mollo went to the
bank and withdrew monty. Petitioner acknowledges the fact that he used the
money she withdrew to buy drugs. (N.T. 2/9/16 at 10-11, 45,49, 53.) Therefore,
nothing in the bank records. or phone. records could have been used to undermine
the victim’s testimony regarding Petitioner’s behavior on the day in question as
they were both essentially consistent with each other.
4, Trial courisel was not ineffective for failing to call defense witnesses.
In his PCRA petition, present counsel alleges that trial counsel was ineffective
for failing to call two defense witnesses at trial. He indicates that each witness
would have testified to the nature of the relationship between Petitioner and the
victim as well as the fact that the victim is “unstable” and a narcotics user.
To establish trial counsel’s ineffectiveness for failing to call a witness, a
defendant must establish:
(1) the witness existed; (2) the witness was available; (3) counsel was
informed of the existence of the witness:or counsel should otherwise have.
known of him; (4) the witness was prepared to cooperate. and testify for:
Petitioner at trial; and (5) the absence of the testimony prejudiced
Petitioner so as-to deny him a fair trial. Commonwealth, y, Petras, 368 Pa.
Super, 372, 534 Add 483, 485 (1987). A defendant must establish
prejudice by demonstrating that he was denied a fair trial because of the
absence of the testimony of the proposed witness.
Commonwealth v. O 'Bidos, 849 A.2d, 243,.249.(Pa:Super 2004), citing,.
Commonwealth v. Nock, 606 4.2d 1380 (Pa. Super 1 992). Further, counsel’s
failure to call a witness is not per se ineffectiveriess because such a decision
generally involves a matter of trial strategy. Commonwealth v. Auker, 681 A.2d
1305, 1319 (Pa. 1996).
First, it should be noted the two alleged defense witnesses did not provide any
affidavits, statements or any other certifications as required under the PCRA, 42
Pa.C.8.A. §9545(d)(1) and therefore, any purported testimony is inadmissible
pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S.A. §9545(d)(3). See also, Commonwealth v. Farmer, 758
A.24.173, 179 (Pa. Super. 2000) (ineffectiveness claim failed where the defendant
failed to include any affidavits from the potential witnesses showing that they
would testify).
‘Moreover, based on the brief description of the testimony that: would have been
elicited, it would’ve been cumulative, irrelevant and jnadmissible. Trial counsel
cannot be deemed. ineffective for failing to present.such testimony. Petitioner
testified that he lived with Ms. Mollo for a length of time prior to these events.
(N.T,, 2/9/16 p. 44). Ve also testified that she used drugs with him for a whole
year (Id. at 45). That she was “unstable” is not admissible evidence as neither of
these purported witnesses are experts to make this determination. Commonwealth
v, Hartis, 703 A.2d 441, 450 (Pa. 1998) (trial counsel cannot be deemed ineffective
for failing to present inadmissible evidence); Commonwealth v. Trimble, 615 A.2d
48, 53 (Pa. Super 1992) (same); Commonwealth v. Griffin, 515 A.2d 1382, 1387-
88 (Pa Super 1986) (counsel notineffective for failing to present hearsay
testimony).
3, Trial counsel was not ineffective for failing. to appropriately cross examine
Commonwealth witnesses.
Tn his PCRA petition, Petitioner explains that trial courisel failed. to cross
examine the complainant about the dates of Petitioner’s visits to Ms. Mollo’s
house. This is belied by the Notes of Testimony from February 8, 2016. Coutisel
did in fact cross examine Ms. Mollo on the dates of his visits. (N.T. pp. 29, 33).
The testimony clearly explains that she invited him for Thanksgiving dinner,
November 27, 2014 and he stayed the night that night, until the 28%, She invited
him to come over the following day, the 29" and that’s when this incident
happened. (Id. at 33). There is no contradiction in the testimony. Petitioner
corroborated these statements in his own testimony. (N.T., 2/9/16 p. 44-45).
In addition, trial counsel did cross examine other police witnesses. (N.T.
2/9/16, pp. 14-21, pp. 24-3 0). He-fails to state with specificity exactly. what
inconsistencies he alleges. Trial counsel’s performance was not ineffective.
4, Trial counsel was not ineffective for conceding an essential element of the
crime charged during closing arguments.
Trial counsel was not ineffective for conceding an essential clement of the
crime charged. Counsel’s focus was on trying to avoid the most.serious. charges
filed against the defendant. The evidence in this case was overwhelming and after
10.
Petitioner’s incredible testimony, counsel attempted to avoid the most serious
charges. of Attempted Murder. However, the trial court was unpersuaded. The
court stated. it’s reasoning for finding Petitioner guilty by stating the most damning
evidence against Petitioner was: his own words, “T’m going to kill you” as well as
the use of a deadly weapon on a Vital part of the body in order to establish the
Attempted Murder charge. That, coupled with the overwhelming evidence
presented by the Commonwealth including Petitioner being caught with the knife
in his hand when the police atrived, his refusal to drop the knife and then
attempting to-stab Officer Cherry with the same knife clearly supports the fact that
the evidence was so overwhelming, counsel’s only available defense was to argue
the lesser charges. Therefore, counsel’s decision to proceed this way has merit and
cannot be deethed to have been ineffective. He fails to articulate how the outcome
would have been different.
5. Appellate counsel was not ineffective for failing to pursue. claim of the trial
court’s abuse of discretion at sentencing. despite raising. that claim in the
1925 (b).
Even if appellate counsel would have brieféd this issue to the Superior Court,
he would not have been successful for the reasons stated in the trial. court’s
opinion. In the direct appeal claim, Petitioner only complains about the sentence
for Terroristic T hreats and Possessing an Instrument of Crime, both sentences for
“AL
each case ran concurrent to the more serious charges of ‘Attempted Murder and
Aggravated Assault. The reasoning, is repeated here.
On July 18, 2016, the tfial court sentenced Petitioner to 8 years to 20. years
on Attempted Murder. The guidelines for this offense based upon Petitioner’s
Prior Record Score of 3 and the Offense Gravity Score of 13 is 96-114 months,
using the Deadly Weapon: Enhancement.matrix. (See 204 Pa. Code §303.15,
§303.18 and §303.3 as well as the Pre-Sentence Report). The court sentenced
Petitioner to 8 years, or 96 months for Attempted Murder, the bottom end of the
guidelines.. The court sentenced appellant to an additional 2 '% to 5 years'on the
Possessing and Instrument of Crime and Terroristic Threats to run coneurrent to
the sentence for Attempted Murder for a total sentence of 8-20 years.
For the case involving Officer Cherry, the court sentenced Petitioner to 3 to 10.
years for Aggravated Assault and 2 ¥% to 5 for Terroristic Threats and Possessing
and Instrument of Crime to run concurrent fo the sentence for Aggravated Assault.
The Offense Gravity Score for Aggravated Assault (attempts to cause serious
bodily injury) is a 10 and. the Prior Record Score is a 3, making the gitidelines, 60-
72, using the Deadly Weapon Used matrix. (See 204 Pa. Code §303.15, §303.18:
ahd §303.3 as well as the Pre-Sentence Report). The sentence for the Aggravated
Assault involving Officer Cherry was significantly lower than the 60‘month bottom.
range of the guidelines.
12
In considering the excessiveness ofa sentence, sentencing is within the
sound discretion of the trial court.and will not be disturbed unless it is outside the
statutory limits of manifestly excessive. Commonwealth v. Gee, 575. A.2d 628,
630 (Pa. Super. 1990). Further, the appellate court should give great weight to the
sentencing judge’s discretion as he or she is in the best position to.:measure various
factors such as the nature-of the crime, the defendant’s character and the
defendant’s display of remorse, defiance ot indifference. Commonwealth v.
Anderson, 552 A.2d 1064, 1072 (Pa, Supet. 1988). Additionally, where a
presentence report exists, the appellate court will presume the sentencing court wsa
aware of any andall relevant information contained in the report and weighed
those considerations along with all mitigating factors. Commonwealth v. Devers,
§46 A.2d 12, 18 (Pa. 1988). An appellate court must not disturb the lower court’s
judgment of sentence absent a manifest abuse of discretion. Commonwealth v.
Hyland, 875 A.2d 1175, 1184 (Pa. Super. 2005), A sentencing court will not be
found to have abused its discretion unless the record discloses that the entencing
ourt ignored or misapplied the law or that the judgment exercised was manifestly
unreasonable or the result of partiality, prejudice, bias. or ill-will. Id. The court
may deviate from the. guidelines taking into consideration aggravated.and
mitigating factors. Commonwealth v. Mouzon, 828 A.2d. 1126, 1128 (Pa. Super:
2003).
13
In.the present case, the court acknowledged having read the presentence report,
the trial notes. of testimony as well as defense counsel’s motion for extraordinary
relief, (N.T. July 18, 2016 p.3). Having considered these reports, the court
acknowledged having read all aggravating and mitigating factors-and gave a
concurrent sentence for these two offenses. Appellate counsel could not have
shown that the court lacked a basis for the sentences: given, nor could appellate
counsel show the court abused its discretion. Therefore, appellate counsel’s failure
to pursue this ‘in its brief to the Superior Court was not ineffective assistance of
counsel becaiise it was not a meritorious claim. Counsel carmot be ineffective for
failing to brief ameritless claim. Commonwealth v, Washington, 927 A, 2d 586,
607-08 (Pa. 2007).
6, Appellate counsel was not ineffective for failing to pursue a Petition for
Allowance of Appeal with the Pennsylvania. Supreme Court.
The PCRA court conducted an evidentiary hearing on this issue on December 8,
2020. At that hearing, appellant counsel testified that Petitioner did not request
that he file an Petition for Allowance of Appeal with the Pennsylvania Supreme
Court. Counsel provided documentation as to his communication with Petitioner.
Petitioner did not testify etedibly regarding his communication with appellate
counsel. The PCRA court ruled against Petitioner on this issue, finding appellate
counsel credible regarding Petitioner’s desire to pursue PCRA relief, rather than
Supreme Court relief, ‘Therefore, this claim is meritless.
14
7. Petitioner did not establish “multiple instances of prosecutorial misconduct.”
Petitioner alleges multiple instances of prosecutorial misconduct. These claims
are waived. Petitioner did not raise these issues:on direct appeal.and they are not
framed in the context of Ineffective Assistance of Counsel 42 PA.C.S.A. §9543
(a)(3), 9544 (©).
Even if they were framed in the appropriate context, they still fail. First,
Petitioner alleges that the prosecutor crossed off “glass crack” before the word.
“pipe” in the inventory teport prepared by Jefferson Hospital. It appears the author
of this report chose the words “glass pipe” instead of “crack pipe” to describe the
object. Petitioner provides no proof whatsoever that the Commonwealth made this
change, rather than the person authoring the report. Moreover, the fact the witness
used drugs was part of the facts of the case. Her drug conviction was passed in
pre-trial discovery, her use of drugs was admitted into evidence as there was
cocaine in her system at the time she-went to the hospital and several references of
her drug use were-made by Petitioner during his trial. This claim must fail. (N.T.
2/8/16 p. 26, 2/9/16 p. 46, 53,64, 70)
Petitioner-also claims that the prosecutor committed misconduct by entering,
into evidence a greeting card, authenticated by the witness as being sent to her by
Petitioner. Petitioner claims this letter was confiscated by guards at the prison.
He points to no evidence of this whatsoever that the prosecutor committed
45.
misconduct, The victim testified she received this letter in the mail. (N.T, 2/8/16
p. 21-29)
Petitioner makes more claims regarding the prosecutor manipulating evidence
in the medical records regarding old bruises and multiple stab wounds. This-claim
is completely unsupported. The trial court indicated it believed there was only one
stab wound. (N.T. 2/9/16 p. 65).
Finally, Petitioner claims the prosecution committed misconduct by presenting
false testimony. Again, this is: completely unsupported by the record and Petitioner
offers no proof of this claim at all. Mere inconsistencies donot rise to the level of
a claim of presentation of false evidence. Commonwealth v. Lynn, 192 A.3d 194,
201.(Pa, Super. 2018). Petitioner sites to nothing that would give rise to the belief
that the prosecution purposefully supported false testimony.
8. Petitioner was convicted on sufficient evidence and is not entitled to relief
pursuant to Section 9543(a\(2)(i) of the PCRA based on the violation of his
Sixth Amendment Due Process constitutional rights.
In this claim, Petitioner argues that the evidence was not sufficient to convict
him. Petitioner raised this‘claim in his direct appeal filed.on December 16, 2018.
The Superior Court held that the evidence was indeed sufficient to support that
conviction. (Commonwealth v. Aiello, 2018 WL.5290707 (Pa, Super. October 25,
2018). Therefore, where a claim has been previously litigated, Petitioner is
ineligible for PCRA relief. 42 PA C.S.A.§ (a)(3):
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9, The PCRA court did not ert in denying Petitioner-an Evidentiary Hearing to
prove the validity ofhis claims.
Petitioner’s final claim contends this court erred in denying an evidentiary
heating on the above claims. There is-no absolute right to. an evidentiary hearing
on a PCRA petition, and if the PCRA court.can determine from the record that no
genuine issues of material fact exist, then a hearing is not necessary.
Commonwealth v. Jones, 942 A.2d.903, 906 (Pa. Super 2008), citing
Commonwealth v. Barbosa, 819 A.2d.81 (Pa. Super. 2003). With respect to claims
of ineffective assistance of counsel, “such a claim must meet all three prongs of the
test for ineffectiveness, if the court can determine without an evidentiary hearing
that one of the prongs cannot be met, then no purpose would be advanced by
holding an evidentiary hearing.” Jones, supra.
For the reasons stated above, it is clear from the record in the instant.case that
none of Petitioner’s claims warrant relief, His request for an evidentiary hearing,
therefore, was properly denied.
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CONCLUSION
After review of the applicable statues, testimony at trial, PCRA hearing and
applicable case law, the lower court properly dismissed Petitioner’s PCRA
Petition. Accordingly, the dismissal should be affirmed.
Diana L. Anhalt, J
DATE: December 17, 2021
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PROOF OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that I am this day serving the foregoing filing upon the.
below person(s) in the manner indicated below, which services satisfies the
requirements of Pa-R.A.P. 122:
Lawrence J. Goode, Esquire First Class Mail
Philadelphia Attorney’s Office
Three South Penn Square
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Lawrence J. O’Connor, Jr. Esquire. First Class Mail
2301 Cherry Street, Apt. 6A
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Frank Aiello Certified Mail
Inmate #MP8438
SCI Houtzdale
209 Institution Drive,
Houtzdale, PA 16698-1000
Dated: December 17, 2021
Lauren J. Kracht.
Law Clerk for the Honorable Diana L. Anhalt
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