PEOPLE v. PEREZ (2019)

DECISION & ORDER

ORDERED that the judgment is affirmed.

On July 22, 2012, the defendant, while in the presence of three children, allegedly stabbed both the mother of his child and the mother's former boyfriend.  The defendant was indicted, inter alia, on two counts of attempted murder in the second degree, two counts of assault in the first degree, and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child.  Following a jury trial, the defendant was convicted of two counts of assault in the first degree and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

The defendant argues on appeal that the evidence was legally insufficient to support the convictions of assault in the first degree.  Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution (see People v. Contes, 60 N.Y.2d 620, 467 N.Y.S.2d 349, 454 N.E.2d 932), we find that it was legally sufficient to establish the defendant's guilt of two counts of assault in the first degree beyond a reasonable doubt (see CPL 470.15[2][b] ).  Moreover, in fulfilling our responsibility to conduct an independent review of the weight of the evidence (see CPL 470.15[5];  People v. Danielson, 9 N.Y.3d 342, 348, 849 N.Y.S.2d 480, 880 N.E.2d 1), we nevertheless accord great deference to the jury's opportunity to view the witnesses, hear their testimony, and observe demeanor (see People v. Mateo, 2 N.Y.3d 383, 779 N.Y.S.2d 399, 811 N.E.2d 1053).  Upon reviewing the record here, we are satisfied that the verdict of guilt as to those counts was not against the weight of the evidence (see People v. Romero, 7 N.Y.3d 633, 826 N.Y.S.2d 163, 859 N.E.2d 902).

The defendant's contentions in his pro se supplemental brief regarding pretrial hearings and his arrest are unpreserved for appellate review and, in any event, without merit.  The defendant's remaining contentions, raised in his pro se supplemental brief, are also without merit.

DILLON, J.P., BARROS, IANNACCI and CHRISTOPHER, JJ., concur.