In the Interest of B.L.L., A Child. v. << (2009)

Adjudicated delinquent based on evidence of having participated in a robbery by sudden snatching, minor B.L.L. appeals, challenging the sufficiency of the evidence. We affirm.

In considering a challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence supporting an adjudication of delinquency, we construe the evidence and every inference from the evidence in favor of the juvenile court's adjudication to determine if a reasonable finder of fact could have found, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the juvenile committed the acts charged. Thus, the standard of review on appeal in a case of adjudication of delinquency of a juvenile is the same as that for any criminal case. In reviewing such cases, we do not weigh the evidence or determine witness credibility.1

So construed, the evidence shows that Marietta Poole's purse was snatched on November 2, 2008. Poole testified that she had just exited her car with her purse strap wrapped around her wrist when B.L.L. grabbed her purse. Poole recalled that she fought with B.L.L. momentarily but that he was able to take the purse then pass it to two young men who were sitting on a nearby bench, both of whom then ran away from the area. Poole further testified that B.L.L. remained in the area and was detained by a witness until the police arrived. On cross-examination, Poole explained that she had several opportunities to observe B.L.L. She looked at him during the time that she struggled with him for her purse; while he remained in the area before the police arrived; and when he was placed into the officer's patrol car.

William Boyette, who was in the area when the incident occurred, testified that he did not witness the incident but detained B.L.L. after he was told that B.L.L. stole the victim's purse. Officer Carroll Wilson responded to the scene and was notified upon arrival that Boyette had B.L.L. in his custody. Wilson testified that after he placed B.L.L. in his patrol car, Poole identified him as the person who snatched her purse and told Wilson that B.L.L. gave the purse to two other boys who ran away.

At trial, Jonathan Pierre testified that he was the person who snatched the purse and that B.L.L. neither touched the purse nor had knowledge that Pierre planned to rob Poole. At the conclusion of the evidence, the trial judge concluded that B.L.L. was guilty of robbery by sudden snatching,² sentenced him as a designated felon under a five-year order, with two years of restrictive custody and restitution, and ordered that he pay restitution in the amount of $233.95.

Pursuant to OCGA § 16-8-40(a)(3), “[a] person commits the offense of robbery, when, with intent to commit theft, he takes property of another from the person ․ [b]y sudden snatching.” Poole testified that B.L.L. snatched her purse and passed it to two individuals, who fled the scene. As “the testimony of a sole eyewitness is sufficient to support a conviction,”³ Poole's testimony sufficiently supported B.L.L.'s conviction.

Even though Pierre testified that he committed the robbery, his testimony did not demand B.L.L.'s acquittal.

The weight and credibility of witnesses are questions for the triers of fact; that some evidence offered by a witness seems contradictory to his own or to some other's, or incomplete or uncertain, does not automatically discredit the evidence given by that witness for it is the function of the triers of fact to determine to what evidence it gives credence. It is not for us to determine or question how the [trier of fact] resolved any apparent conflicts or uncertainties in the evidence.4

Rather, “on appeal, we indulge every contingency in favor of the verdict.”⁵ Therefore, in light of Poole's testimony, we affirm the juvenile court's adjudication of delinquency.⁶

Judgment affirmed.

MIKELL, Judge.

JOHNSON, P.J., and ELLINGTON, J., concur.