The People, etc., respondent, v. DeJuan Brown, appellant. (2011)

Submitted—May 5, 2011

DECISION & ORDER

Appeal by the defendant from a judgment of the Supreme Court, Kings County (D'Emic, J.), rendered November 25, 2003, convicting him of manslaughter in the first degree, assault in the first degree, and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, upon a jury verdict, and imposing sentence.

ORDERED that the judgment is affirmed.

The defendant contends that the verdict was against the weight of the evidence.   In fulfilling our responsibility to conduct an independent review of the weight of the evidence (see CPL 470.15[5];  People v. Danielson, 9 NY3d 342), we nevertheless accord great deference to the jury's opportunity to view the witnesses, hear the testimony, and observe demeanor (see People v. Mateo, 2 NY3d 383, 410, cert denied 542 U.S. 946;  People v. Bleakley, 69 N.Y.2d 490, 495).   Upon reviewing the record here, we are satisfied that the verdict of guilt was not against the weight of the evidence (see People v. Romero, 7 NY3d 633).

The defendant's challenges to certain remarks made by the prosecutor during summation are unpreserved for appellate review, as the defendant failed to object to the challenged remarks at the trial (see CPL 470.05[2];  People v. James, 72 AD3d 844, 845;  People v. Wilson, 71 AD3d 799, 800).   In any event, the challenged remarks were fair comment on the evidence and the reasonable inferences to be drawn therefrom, permissible rhetorical comment, or responsive to defense counsel's summation (see People v. Ashwal, 39 N.Y.2d 105, 109–110;  People v. Ariza, 77 AD3d 844, 846;  People v. Torres, 72 AD3d 709).

The defendant's remaining contention is unpreserved for appellate review and, in any event, is without merit.

COVELLO, J.P., CHAMBERS, LOTT and MILLER, JJ., concur.

ENTER:

Matthew G. Kiernan

Clerk of the Court