Opinion ID: 1984264
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Was the verdict contrary to the weight of the evidence and against the applicable principles of law?

Text: Appellant argues first that the convictions of simple assault and recklessly endangering other persons, arose from a mutual consent fight, and are inconsistent with a not-guilty verdict as to aggravated assault. The lower court found no reasonable doubt that appellant committed various assaults and engaged recklessly in conduct which endangered others, and the court as fact-finder adjudged appellant guilty of those offenses. The court found that there was some reasonable doubt as to whether appellant had intentionally caused DeSimone to fall from the porch area, or had struck Mrs. DeSimone with a beer bottle and therefore he returned not-guilty findings as to those charges. There is some confusion on the record as to whether this melee was of mutual consent. In announcing its verdict the court found: that there were inconsistencies in the statements of both sides; that appellant allegedly tossed a lighted cigarette at Mrs. DeSimone; that in response Mr. DeSimone grabbed appellant by the shoulder and appellant then struck Mr. DeSimone; that appellant had acted in an unnecessarily belligerent and aggressive manner; and that, as to Mr. DeSimone, appellant was guilty of simple assault arising out of a mutually consented to fight. (N.T., pp. 807-12.) At a hearing on post-trial motions, the trial judge noted that while evidence pertaining to aggression may have been confused, he did not find aggression on both sides. (N.T. 4/22/81, pp. 5-6.) The trier of fact has the responsibility to resolve testimonial conflicts and may accept or reject part or all of a witness' testimony. Commonwealth v. Waller, 498 Pa. 33, 444 A.2d 653 (1982). Under the Crimes Code, simple assault may be graded as a third degree misdemeanor if the charges result from a mutually agreed to fight. 18 Pa.C.S. § 2701(b). This determination, i.e., whether mutual consent existed, is a question of fact for the fact finder. Commonwealth v. Artis, 294 Pa.Superior Ct. 276, 282 n. 1, 439 A.2d 1199, 1200 n. 1 (1982). Here, the court unraveled the testimony and found the Commonwealth's version to be the more accurate view. As the record supports such view, we find no error. Compare Commonwealth v. Ashford, 277 Pa.Superior Ct. 400, 419 A.2d 1206 (1980). Any inconsistencies among the verdicts pertaining to the different victims may be explained simply. The court had some basis for finding that Mr. DeSimone consented to the physical dispute but the other victims did not. Furthermore, as to Mr. DeSimone, as noted above, appellant could be held criminally responsible for the agreed-to combat. Nor do we believe that the crime of recklessly endangering another person, 18 Pa.C.S. § 2705, admits to a defense of consent by the victim. See Commonwealth v. Schell, 3 D & C 2d 528 (1977). Further, even if there were some apparent inconsistency among the verdicts, the convictions may stand as a fact finder may render inconsistent verdicts. Commonwealth v. Wanamaker, 298 Pa.Superior Ct. 283, 288, 444 A.2d 1176, 1178 (1982); Commonwealth v. Fox, 259 Pa.Superior Ct. 565, 393 A.2d 970 (1978). Appellant also argues that there was insufficient evidence of a criminal conspiracy. Again, we find no merit in this argument. There was ample evidence of joint, concerted agreement in the threats of appellant and at least one of his companions, and joint, concerted participation among them in the brawl that ensued. See Commonwealth v. Mobley, 467 Pa. 460, 359 A.2d 367 (1976); Commonwealth v. Jones, 272 Pa.Superior Ct. 444, 416 A.2d 539 (1979); and Commonwealth v. Madison, 271 Pa.Superior Ct. 382, 413 A.2d 718 (1979).