Opinion ID: 3033144
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: Pereira argues that, because the second assailant was wearing a stocking mask and neither witness saw the second assailant’s face, there was insufficient evidence for a rational juror to conclude beyond a reasonable doubt that he was the second assailant. We review sufficiency of the evidence under a highly deferential standard. See United States v. Hart, 273 F.3d 363, 371 (3d Cir. 2001). Under this standard, we examine whether the evidence submitted at trial, when viewed in the light most favorable to the government, would allow a rational trier of fact to convict the defendant. Id. (citing United States v. Helbling, 209 F.3d 226, 238 (3d Cir.2000), cert. denied, 531 U.S. 1100, 121 S.Ct. 833, 148 L.Ed.2d 715 (2001); United States v. Coleman, 811 F.2d 804, 807 (3d Cir. 1987)). 6 To recap the evidence, Freeman at trial testified that, despite the stocking mask, he recognized Pereira as one of his assailants. He stated that he was very familiar with Pereira, having been enemies with him since seventh grade, and recognized him from his body type and braids. As Freeman explained it, “I mean, is like having your best friend, you know. You know everything about your best friend. Same way about someone you know that don’t like you is your enemy, you know everything about them. You know what he looks like, how he walks, how he talks.” (JA at 192.) In addition, Freeman swore that he saw Pereira and Moe together in a gray Honda Civic the evening of the shooting. Specifically, he testified: “On the way back, I noticed a Honda Civic, a gray Honda Civic that Aswad Moe and Hewitt Pereira or whoever else was in there used to come through Harbor View looking for me.” (JA at 179.) Bermudez also took the stand and testified that the assailant wearing the stocking mask was the same height and weight and had the same build, complexion, and skin color as Pereira. Viewed in the light most favorable to the Government, this evidence is sufficient to allow a rational trier of fact to convict Pereira.