Com. v. Sidero, T. ( 2023 )

J-S07039-23
NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT OP 65.37
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
: PENNSYLVANIA
Appellee :
:
v. :
:
THOMAS SIDERIO :
:
Appellant : No. 1324 EDA 2022
Appeal from the PCRA Order Entered May 6, 2022
In the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County
Criminal Division at No(s): CP-51-CR-0008742-2017
BEFORE: DUBOW, J., KUNSELMAN, J., and KING, J.
MEMORANDUM BY KING, J.: FILED AUGUST 28, 2023
Appellant, Thomas Siderio, appeals from the order entered in the
Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, which denied his petition brought
under the Post-Conviction Relief Act (“PCRA”).1 We affirm.
The PCRA court set forth the relevant facts and procedural history of
this case as follows:
At trial, the Commonwealth presented the testimony of
Philadelphia police officers Gabriel Gutner, Lamont Fox,
William Bengochea, Gregory Giacomelli, and Daniel Cha,
Philadelphia police detective Thorsten Lucke, Philadelphia
assistant medical examiner Dr. Khalil Wardak, Jalil Caesar,
and Steven Busch. [Appellant] testified on his own behalf.
The evidence established the following.
Shortly after midnight, in the early morning of April 1, 2017,
[Appellant] arrived at the Uncut Lounge, a club located at
3017 N 22nd Street in Philadelphia, in order to meet his best
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1 42 Pa.C.S.A. §§ 9541-9546.
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friend, Daquan Foster, for a night out. (N.T. 11/27/18 at
84-87; N.T. 11/29/18 at 40, 42-43). [Appellant] arrived
with his cousin, Joseph Hastings, his girlfriend, Yarissa
Rivera, his friend, Brian Johnson, and Johnson’s girlfriend.
(N.T. 11/29/18 at 40-43, 55-56). While [Appellant] was
drinking in the club, Johnson approached him and told him
that Foster was in a fight in the back of the club. (N.T.
11/29/18 at 43). [Appellant] attempted to go to the back
of the club to see what was going on, but people were
pushing and shoving and [Appellant] could not find Foster.
(N.T. 11/29/18 at 43). As a result, [Appellant] decided to
leave the club, retrieve a gun that he had left in the trunk
of his friend’s car, and then return to the club to help Foster.
(N.T. 11/29/18 at 44, 51-52). When he got to the car he
also grabbed a hoody from the car and pulled the hood up
over his head in an effort to conceal his identity. (N.T.
11/29/18 at 50, 72-73). [Appellant] did not have a license
to carry the firearm. (N.T. 11/29/18 at 50).
By the time [Appellant] got back to the club with his gun,
Foster was out of the bar and in the street. (N.T. 11/29/18
at 44-45). When Foster saw [Appellant’s] gun, Foster told
[Appellant] that the fight was over, and both started running
from the scene. (N.T. 11/29/18 at 45). At that time, Steven
Busch, a security guard from the club, saw [Appellant] with
the gun, and yelled out, “gun” to his partner, Mikal Crump.
(N.T. 11/28/18 at 148). Both security guards then began
firing at [Appellant]. (N.T. 11/28/18 at 138, 148). One of
the bullets they fired at [Appellant] struck and killed
Hastings, who was out on the street following [Appellant].
(N.T. 11/28/18 at 92-93, 11/27/18 at 142). At the same
time, [Appellant], hearing gunshots, fired his gun, striking
a parked car that contained Joseph Hickson, Jalil Caesar,
and Clinton Cotton. (N.T. 11/28/18 at 39-43, 11/29/18 at
103). As a result, the car window was shot out and Caesar
was shot in the leg. (N.T. 11/28/18 at 41-43). During the
exchange of gunfire, [Appellant] was shot in the back. (N.T.
11/29/18 at 48).
(PCRA Court Opinion, filed 6/21/22, at 3) (quoting Trial Court Opinion, filed
9/18/19, at 2-3) (record citation formatting provided).
Procedurally:
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On November 30, 2018, following a jury trial before this
[c]ourt, [Appellant] was convicted of one count each of
carrying a firearm without a license (18 Pa.C.S. § 6106) and
carrying a firearm on a public street in Philadelphia (18
Pa.C.S. § 6108). [Appellant] was acquitted of three counts
each of attempted murder (18 Pa.C.S. §§ 901(a), 2502) and
aggravated assault (18 Pa.C.S. § 2702(a)) regarding …
Joseph Hickson, Jalil Caesar, and Clinton Cotton. He was
also acquitted of one count of possessing an instrument of
crime (18 Pa.C.S. § 907). In addition, the [c]ourt granted
[Appellant’s] motion for judgment of acquittal for
possession of a firearm by a prohibited person (18 Pa.C.S.
§ 6105). (N.T. 11/30/18 at 99). The case was joined for
trial with the charges at Docket Number CP-51-CR-
0008741-2017, where [Appellant] was charged with the
murder of … Joseph Hastings (18 Pa.C.S. § 2502).
[Appellant] was acquitted of all charges regarding Mr.
Hastings.
On January 25, 2019, the [c]ourt imposed consecutive
sentences of 3½ to 7 years [of] incarceration for the
carrying a firearm without a license charge and 2½ to 5
years[’] incarceration for the carrying a firearm on a public
street in Philadelphia, for an aggregate sentence of 6 to 12
years[’] incarceration. [Appellant] filed post-sentence
motions, which the [c]ourt denied on May 20, 2019.
[Appellant] was represented at trial and through the filing
of post-sentence motions by David Walker, Esquire. Gary
Server, Esquire, was appointed to represent [Appellant] on
appeal. Mr. Server filed an Anders[2] brief with the Superior
Court, stating that [Appellant’s] appeal was frivolous. On
October 19, 2020, the Superior Court affirmed [Appellant’s]
judgment of sentence.
On May 11, 2021, [Appellant] filed a pro se [PCRA petition.]
On May 24, 2021, Peter Levin, Esquire, was appointed to
represent [Appellant], and filed an amended petition on
November 20, 2021. The Commonwealth filed a motion to
dismiss the petition on March 4, 2022. On March 23, 2022,
the Court issued notice pursuant to Pa.R.Crim.P. 907 (“907
Notice”) of its intent to dismiss [Appellant’s] petition.
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2 Anders v. California, 386 U.S. 738, 87 S.Ct. 1396, 18 L.Ed.2d 493 (1967).
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[Appellant] filed a response to the 907 Notice on April 12,
2022, which did not raise any new issues. The [PCRA c]ourt
dismissed the petition on May 6, 2022.
(PCRA Court Opinion at 1-2) (internal footnote omitted; record citation
formatting provided). Appellant filed a timely notice of appeal on May 12,
2022. That same day, the PCRA court ordered Appellant to file a concise
statement of errors complained of on appeal per Pa.R.A.P. 1925(b). Appellant
complied and filed his concise statement on June 2, 2022.
Appellant raises the following issues for our review:
I. Whether the PCRA court was in error in not granting relief
on the following issues:
A. Whether Trial counsel was ineffective for failing to
preserve a claim challenging Appellant’s discretionary
sentence?
B. Whether the prosecutor distorted the facts at
Appellant’s sentencing?
C. Whether Appellant is entitled to a new trial based
upon after discovered evidence which would likely
change the outcome of his case[?]
II. Whether the PCRA court erred in denying Appellant’s
PCRA petition without an evidentiary hearing?
(Appellant’s Brief at 7) (questions reordered for purposes of disposition).
“Our standard of review of the denial of a PCRA petition is limited to
examining whether the evidence of record supports the court’s determination
and whether its decision is free of legal error.” Commonwealth v. Beatty,
207 A.3d 957, 960-61 (Pa.Super. 2019), appeal denied, 655 Pa. 482, 218
A.3d 850 (2019). This Court grants great deference to the factual findings of
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the PCRA court if the record contains any support for those findings.
Commonwealth v. Dozier, 208 A.3d 1101, 1103 (Pa.Super. 2019). “[W]e
review the court’s legal conclusions de novo.” Commonwealth v. Prater,
256 A.3d 1274, 1282 (Pa.Super. 2021), appeal denied, ___ Pa. ___, 268 A.3d
386 (2021). Further, “we must defer to the PCRA court’s findings of fact and
credibility determinations, which are supported by the record.”
Commonwealth v. Diaz, 183 A.3d 417, 421 (Pa.Super. 2018), aff’d, 657 Pa.
618, 226 A.3d 995 (2020).
In his first sub-issue, Appellant contends that trial counsel was
ineffective for failing to preserve a claim challenging the discretionary aspects
of Appellant’s sentence. Specifically, Appellant insists that his sentence of 2½
to 5 years’ imprisonment for carrying a firearm in public in Philadelphia was
an upward departure from the sentencing guidelines. Appellant maintains that
counsel had no reasonable justification for failing to preserve the issue for
appeal and, if counsel had preserved it, this Court could have reviewed the
sentence and granted relief. Appellant concludes that counsel’s failure to
preserve his sentencing claim for appeal constitutes ineffective assistance,
and this Court must grant relief. We disagree.
“Counsel is presumed to have rendered effective assistance.”
Commonwealth v. Hopkins, 231 A.3d 855, 871 (Pa.Super. 2020), appeal
denied, 663 Pa. 418, 242 A.3d 908 (2020).
[T]o establish a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, a
defendant must show, by a preponderance of the evidence,
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ineffective assistance of counsel which, in the circumstances
of the particular case, so undermined the truth-determining
process that no reliable adjudication of guilt or innocence
could have taken place. The burden is on the defendant to
prove all three of the following prongs: (1) the underlying
claim is of arguable merit; (2) that counsel had no
reasonable strategic basis for his or her action or inaction;
and (3) but for the errors and omissions of counsel, there is
a reasonable probability that the outcome of the
proceedings would have been different.
Commonwealth v. Sandusky, 203 A.3d 1033, 1043 (Pa.Super. 2019),
appeal denied, 654 Pa. 568, 216 A.3d 1029 (2019) (internal citations and
quotation marks omitted). The failure to satisfy any prong of the test for
ineffectiveness will cause the claim to fail. Commonwealth v. Chmiel, 612
Pa. 333, 30 A.3d 1111 (2011).
“The threshold inquiry in ineffectiveness claims is whether the
issue/argument/tactic which counsel has foregone and which forms the basis
for the assertion of ineffectiveness is of arguable merit[.]” Commonwealth
v. Smith, 167 A.3d 782, 788 (Pa.Super. 2017), appeal denied, 645 Pa. 175,
179 A.3d 6 (2018) (quoting Commonwealth v. Pierce, 537 Pa. 514, 524,
645 A.2d 189, 194 (1994)). “Counsel cannot be found ineffective for failing
to pursue a baseless or meritless claim.” Commonwealth v. Poplawski,
852 A.2d 323, 327 (Pa.Super. 2004).
“Once this threshold is met we apply the ‘reasonable basis’ test to
determine whether counsel’s chosen course was designed to effectuate his
client’s interests.” Commonwealth v. Kelley, 136 A.3d 1007, 1012
(Pa.Super. 2016) (quoting Pierce, supra at 524, 645 A.2d at 194-95).
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The test for deciding whether counsel had a reasonable
basis for his action or inaction is whether no competent
counsel would have chosen that action or inaction, or, the
alternative, not chosen, offered a significantly greater
potential chance of success. Counsel’s decisions will be
considered reasonable if they effectuated his client’s
interests. We do not employ a hindsight analysis in
comparing trial counsel’s actions with other efforts he may
have taken.
Commonwealth v. King, 259 A.3d 511, 520 (Pa.Super. 2021) (quoting
Sandusky, supra at 1043-44).
“To demonstrate prejudice, the petitioner must show that there is a
reasonable probability that, but for counsel’s unprofessional errors, the result
of the proceedings would have been different. [A] reasonable probability is a
probability that is sufficient to undermine confidence in the outcome of the
proceeding.” Commonwealth v. Spotz, 624 Pa. 4, 33-34, 84 A.3d 294, 312
(2014) (internal citations and quotation marks omitted). “[A] criminal
defendant alleging prejudice must show that counsel’s errors were so serious
as to deprive the defendant of a fair trial, a trial whose result is reliable.”
Commonwealth v. Chambers, 570 Pa. 3, 22, 807 A.2d 872, 883 (2002)
(citation omitted).
To succeed on an ineffectiveness claim for failure to preserve a challenge
to the discretionary aspects of sentencing, the petitioner must demonstrate
the underlying sentencing claim entitles the petitioner to relief.
Commonwealth v. Jones, 942 A.2d 903 (Pa.Super. 2008), appeal denied,
598 Pa. 764, 956 A.2d 433 (2008). See also Commonwealth v. Reaves,
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592 Pa. 134, 923 A.2d 1119 (2007) (providing claim of ineffectiveness for
failure to preserve discretionary sentencing issue requires showing of
reasonable probability that sentencing court would have imposed lesser
sentence).
This Court will not disturb the judgment of the sentencing court absent
an abuse of discretion. Commonwealth v. Fullin, 892 A.2d 843 (Pa.Super.
2006).
[A]n abuse of discretion is more than a mere error of
judgment; thus, 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. In more expansive
terms, …: An abuse of discretion may not be found merely
because an appellate court might have reached a different
conclusion, but requires a result of manifest
unreasonableness, or partiality, prejudice, bias, or ill-will, or
such lack of support so as to be clearly erroneous.
The rationale behind such broad discretion and the
concomitantly deferential standard of appellate review is
that the sentencing court is in the best position to determine
the proper penalty for a particular offense based upon an
evaluation of the individual circumstances before it. Simply
stated, the sentencing court sentences flesh-and-blood
defendants and the nuances of sentencing decisions are
difficult to gauge from the cold transcript used upon
appellate review. Moreover, the sentencing court enjoys an
institutional advantage to appellate review, bringing to its
decisions an expertise, experience, and judgment that
should not be lightly disturbed. Even with the advent of the
sentencing guidelines, the power of sentencing is a function
to be performed by the sentencing court. Thus, rather than
cabin the exercise of a sentencing court’s discretion, the
guidelines merely inform the sentencing decision.
Commonwealth v. Walls, 592 Pa. 557, 564-65, 926 A.2d 957, 961-62
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(2007) (internal quotation marks, footnotes, and citations omitted). “If the
court imposes a sentence outside of the sentencing guidelines, it must provide
a written statement setting forth the reasons for the deviation and the failure
to do so is grounds for resentencing.” Id. at 566-67, 926 A.2d at 962-63.
Pursuant to Section 9721(b), “the court shall follow the general principle
that the sentence imposed should call for confinement that is consistent with
the protection of the public, the gravity of the offense as it relates to the
impact on the life of the victim and on the community, and the rehabilitative
needs of the defendant.” 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 9721(b). See also Commonwealth
v. Fowler, 893 A.2d 758 (Pa.Super. 2006) (stating where court had benefit
of pre-sentence investigation (“PSI”) report, we can presume it was aware of
relevant information regarding defendant’s character and weighed those
considerations along with mitigating statutory factors).
Here, the trial court explained its sentencing rationale as follows:
Here, the [c]ourt’s sentence for carrying a firearm without
a license was in the standard range of the Sentencing
Guidelines. While [Appellant’s] sentence for carrying a
firearm on a public street in Philadelphia was an upward
departure from the guidelines, the sentence was well-
justified for the reasons explained by the [c]ourt on the
record during the sentencing hearing. Moreover, the record
demonstrates that the [c]ourt’s aggregate sentence was
completely reasonable.
In fashioning an appropriate sentence, the [c]ourt explicitly
considered the following: everything presented throughout
the history of the case; [Appellant’s PSI] report and mental
health evaluation; the investigation into [Appellant’s] prior
record score; all of the submissions from defense counsel
regarding sentencing; the sentencing guidelines;
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[Appellant’s] rehabilitative needs; the need for the
protection of the public; and the gravity of the offense in
relation to the impact on the victim and on the community.
In particular, the [c]ourt first noted that [Appellant’s] prior
record score of four understated his degree of criminality.
[Appellant] was 25 years old and had been arrested 22
times. While the [c]ourt acknowledged that many of these
arrests did not result in convictions, this “very large and
actually extraordinary number of arrests” may appropriately
be considered at sentencing. [S]ee Commonwealth v.
Craft, 450 A.2d 1021, 1024 (Pa.Super. 1982) (in imposing
a sentence, a court may consider prior arrests as long as
the court does not give undue weight to those arrests or
treat those arrests as prior criminal conduct). Along with
[Appellant’s] 22 arrests, [Appellant] also had 13 violations
of probation, and was on probation at the time of the
incident related to these charges. As the [c]ourt noted,
[Appellant’s] numerous probation violations, while not
reflected in the prior record score, clearly demonstrated a
pattern of general disregard for the rule of law. The [c]ourt
also noted that [Appellant’s] willingness to unlawfully
possess a firearm while on probation supervision was an
important aggravating factor supporting a sentence outside
of the guidelines.
Moreover, [Appellant’s] conduct giving rise to his unlawful
possession of a firearm on the night of the incident was not
typical behavior contemplated by the Guidelines for
possession of a firearm. Knowing that he was on probation,
[Appellant] stashed an unlicensed firearm in the trunk of his
friend’s car for ready access during a night out at a club.
When [Appellant] believed that his friend might have been
in a bar fight, [Appellant] readily retrieved the weapon and
returned to the club, ready to go inside to and use it in the
fight. The [c]ourt fully recognizes that [Appellant] never
entered the bar with the weapon and was acquitted of the
murder, attempted murder and aggravated assault charges.
However, it is not contested that his unlawful possession of
a gun that evening started a chain of events that led to
[Appellant’s] cousin being shot and killed by a security
guard, and led to an innocent bystander in a parked car
being shot. In addition, as the [c]ourt noted, consecutive
sentences were appropriate in order to achieve an
aggregate sentence that would be fair under the
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circumstances.
Finally, there is no merit to [Appellant’s] argument that the
[c]ourt failed to consider the mitigating evidence presented
at sentencing. The [c]ourt explicitly reviewed and noted all
of the substantial mitigating evidence submitted by the
defense, and weighed and considered it in arriving at an
appropriate sentence.
Accordingly, the record establishes that there were
compelling reasons for the departure above the Guidelines
and the consecutive sentences in this case, and that the
aggregate sentence was fully commensurate with
[Appellant’s] criminal conduct. As a result, the sentence
was reasonable and should not be disturbed.
(Trial Court Opinion, filed 9/18/19, at 5-7) (internal footnote and record
citations omitted).3
In light of the broad discretion afforded to sentencing courts and the
court’s thorough explanation of its rationale for the sentence imposed, we
cannot say that Appellant would have been entitled to sentencing relief on
appeal had trial counsel preserved such a challenge for appellate review. See
Fullin, supra. See also Reaves, supra; Jones, supra. The record makes
clear the trial court considered Appellant’s prior record, the circumstances of
the altercation, and the impact Appellant’s actions had on the victims.
Additionally, the court had the benefit of a PSI report, so we can presume the
court was aware of and considered the relevant mitigating factors. See
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3 The PCRA court similarly referenced the September 18, 2019 trial court
opinion for its explanation as to the reasons for the sentence imposed. (See
PCRA Court Opinion at 5).
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Fowler, supra. Further, the court adequately explained on the record why it
chose to depart from the sentencing guidelines. See Walls, supra. Thus,
we agree with the PCRA court that Appellant failed to establish that he was
prejudiced by counsel’s failure to preserve a challenge to the discretionary
aspects of the sentencing, and Appellant’s first sub-issue merits no relief. See
Spotz, supra.In his second sub-issue, Appellant claims the Commonwealth “distorted
the facts” at Appellant’s sentencing and made material misrepresentations
concerning Appellant’s criminal history. (See Appellant’s Brief at 20).
However, as this claim could have been raised in Appellant’s direct appeal, but
was not, we conclude that Appellant waived the claim. See 42 Pa.C.S.A. §
9544(b) (stating “an issue is waived if the petitioner could have raised it but
failed to do so before trial, at trial, during unitary review, on appeal, or in a
prior state postconviction proceeding”). Thus, Appellant waived his second
sub-issue.4
In his third sub-issue, Appellant argues that he recently discovered
evidence of Detective James Pitts’ police misconduct concerning a pattern and
practice of falsifying evidence and using coercive interrogation tactics.
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4 Moreover, Appellant failed to develop this one paragraph argument with
citation to pertinent authority, and failed to include citations to the certified
record where the alleged misrepresentations were made. See Pa.R.A.P.
2119(a)-(c). Accordingly, Appellant’s second sub-issue is waived on this
ground as well. See Pa.R.A.P. 2101.
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Appellant asserts that information regarding Detective Pitts’ misconduct was
not available at the time of trial, but if it had been, Appellant’s case could have
been dismissed. (See Appellant’s Brief at 22). In support of this claim,
Appellant highlights that Detective Pitts (1) spoke to Daquan Foster’s mother,
who identified Appellant in a security video; (2) probed Appellant for
information outside of the probation officer’s office, without his attorney,
before arresting him on gun charges; and (3) intimidated and coerced
Appellant’s grandfather for information about the case. Appellant insists that
Detective Pitts’ testimony was instrumental at the preliminary hearing and
formed the basis for the charges against Appellant. Although Appellant
acknowledges that he admitted at trial to possessing the guns and that he had
no license to carry a firearm, Appellant claims that “he would never have been
arrested on any of the charges, including the weapons charges, but for the
misconduct of Detective Pitts.” (Id. at 25). Appellant submits that based on
Detective Pitts’ misconduct in other cases, “one cannot be certain that
Detective Pitts did not engage in similar misconduct with the evidence of this
case….” (Id. at 24). Appellant concludes that Detective Pitts’ misconduct
constitutes after-discovered evidence, and this Court must grant relief. We
disagree.
To prevail on an after-discovered evidence claim, an appellant must
prove: (1) the new evidence could not have been obtained at or prior to trial
through reasonable diligence; (2) the new evidence is not merely
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corroborative or cumulative of evidence that was admitted at trial; (3) the
new evidence is not being used solely to impeach the credibility of a witness;
and (4) the new evidence would likely result in a different verdict.
Commonwealth v. Small, 647 Pa. 423, 442, 189 A.3d 961, 972 (2018). All
four of these requirements must be proved; if an appellant fails to establish
any one of these, the after-discovered evidence claim fails. Id. at 442, 189
A.3d at 972. In determining whether introduction of the proffered new
evidence would likely result in a different verdict, the PCRA court “should
consider the integrity of the alleged after-discovered evidence, the motive of
those offering the evidence, and the overall strength of the evidence
supporting the conviction.” Commonwealth v. Padillas, 997 A.2d 356, 365
(Pa.Super. 2010), appeal denied, 609 Pa. 687, 14 A.3d 826 (2010).
Here, the PCRA court rejected Appellant’s claim of after-discovered
evidence, reasoning:
Assuming arguendo that all of [Appellant’s] allegations
regarding Detective Pitts are true, [Appellant] would still not
be entitled to relief. [Appellant] was only convicted of one
count each of carrying a firearm without a license … and
carrying a firearm on a public street in Philadelphia[.] When
[Appellant] testified at trial, he readily admitted that he
committed both of these crimes. In particular, he
acknowledged that he drove in a car with his gun, that he
removed his gun from the car, hid it under his body, carried
it in the street and fired it. (N.T. 11/29/18, at 44-46, 48,
50, 52, 62-63, 69-72, 74-75, 98, 100-102, 104, 110-112,
116-117). He also acknowledged that he had no license to
carry the gun. (Id. at 69). This was enough to prove both
of the firearms violations independent of all of the
Commonwealth’s evidence.
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(PCRA Court Opinion at 8) (record citation formatting provided; internal
footnote omitted).
We agree with the PCRA court that Appellant has failed to show his
proffered after-discovered evidence of Detective Pitts’ misconduct in other
cases would likely result in a different verdict in this case. Although Appellant
alleges that based on evidence of Detective Pitts’ misconduct in other cases,
Detective Pitts might have engaged in similar misconduct in this case,
Appellant has produced no evidence whatsoever to substantiate this claim.
Further, our review of the record shows that Detective Pitts assisted in
the investigation of this case by taking several witness statements. At the
preliminary hearing, Detective Pitts did not testify, but the parties stipulated
that his testimony would be that he interviewed three witnesses, in addition
to the two security guards, and they all identified themselves in the
surveillance video. The Commonwealth introduced the stipulated testimony
at the preliminary hearing to identify people in the video. (See N.T. Hearing,
10/10/17, at 19-20). Based on other evidence presented at the hearing, the
trial court identified Appellant as the individual in the hoodie who was firing
shots.5 (Id. at 25). Although Appellant asserts that Detective Pitts’
preliminary hearing testimony “was tainted by a likelihood of habitual police
misconduct,” Appellant has not cited to which parts of the stipulated testimony
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5 The court heard testimony from another officer, who identified Appellant in
the video, and the judge also could see that it was Appellant in the video.
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he is referring. (See PCRA Petition, filed 11/10/21, at 20). On this record,
we see nothing to support Appellant’s speculative argument that Detective
Pitts committed misconduct in this case which formed the basis of Appellant’s
arrest. See Commonwealth v. Brown, 134 A.3d 1097, 1109 (Pa.Super.
2016), appeal denied, 636 Pa. 657, 145 A.3d 161 (2016) (holding appellant
was not entitled to new trial where evidence offered against Detective Pitts
was not specific to appellant’s case; although appellant sought to subpoena
testimony of individuals who would testify that Detective Pitts used aggressive
and violent tactics to coerce their statements in other murder cases, none of
those witnesses could provide any new evidence concerning Detective Pitts’
misconduct in this case and such testimony would be used solely to impeach
Detective Pitts’ testimony; denying appellant’s request for evidentiary hearing
on his proposed after-discovered evidence). Thus, Appellant cannot succeed
on his third sub-issue.
In his final issue, Appellant claims the PCRA court erred when it denied
his request for relief without an evidentiary hearing. Appellant concedes that
the right to an evidentiary hearing is not absolute, but he suggests that there
were genuine issues of material fact in controversy and the PCRA court should
have granted an evidentiary hearing to provide the forum to demonstrate such
“manifest injustice.” (Appellant’s Brief at 16-17). Appellant concludes this
Court must vacate and remand for an evidentiary hearing. We disagree.
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A petitioner is not entitled to a PCRA hearing as a matter of right; the
PCRA court can decline to hold a hearing if there is no genuine issue
concerning any material fact, the petitioner is not entitled to relief, and no
purpose would be served by any further proceedings. Commonwealth v.
Wah, 42 A.3d 335 (Pa.Super. 2012). “A reviewing court on appeal must
examine each of the issues raised in the PCRA petition in light of the record in
order to determine whether the PCRA court erred in concluding that there
were no genuine issues of material fact and in denying relief without an
evidentiary hearing.” Commonwealth v. Smith, 121 A.3d 1049, 1052
(Pa.Super. 2015), appeal denied, 635 Pa. 763, 136 A.3d 981 (2016) (quoting
Commonwealth v. Derrickson, 923 A.2d 466, 468 (Pa.Super. 2007), appeal
denied, 594 Pa. 685, 934 A.2d 72 (2007)).
On this record, Appellant has failed to demonstrate that any of the
claims presented to the PCRA court raised a genuine issue concerning any
material fact. See Smith, supra; Wah, supra. Therefore, the PCRA court
did not err when it denied Appellant’s claims without an evidentiary hearing.
Accordingly, we affirm.
Order affirmed.
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Judgment Entered.
Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.
Prothonotary
Date: 8/28/2023
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