Court Opinion

ID: 9650703
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-23 15:49:38.505969+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:12:25.459740
License: Public Domain

Cotter, J.
(dissenting). I disagree with the majority opinion. The aggravated assault was committed by the defendant’s son, and the defendant stands convicted of an offense in which he did not participate. The law seems to be correctly stated, but I fail to see how the facts are sufficient to show that the defendant “knowingly and wilfully” “incited” and “encouraged” Donald to commit the aggravated assault. His presence at the scene is not enough unless he knew that his presence would encourage his son to commit the crime. The wrench referred to was a narrow, eight and one-half inch long box wrench and was apparently partially *538enclosed in Donald’s fist at the time of the aggravated assault, which occurred in a matter of seconds. The evidence was sufficient to establish that the defendant was guilty of an assault beyond a reasonable doubt. There was not sufficient evidence, however, to establish the additional element necessary to a conviction as an accessory to the crime of aggravated assault, that is, evidence that he was, beyond a reasonable doubt, guilty, as such, of “an assault upon another with any deadly or dangerous weapon.” General Statutes § 53-16. “One who is present when a crime is committed but neither assists in its commission nor shares in the criminal intent of its perpetrator cannot be convicted as an accessory. 1 Bishop, Criminal Law (9th Ed.) p. 469. Mere presence as an inactive companion, passive acquiescence, or the doing of innocent acts which may in fact aid the one who commits the crime must be distinguished from the criminal intent and community of unlawful purpose shared by one who knowingly and wilfully assists the perpetrator of the offense in the acts which prepare for, facilitate, or consummate it. State v. Enanno, 96 Conn. 420, 425, 114 A. 386. Persons of whom the former may be said are innocent of any wrongdoing, but those as to whom the latter is proved may be convicted as accessories.” State v. Pundy, 147 Conn. 7, 11, 156 A.2d 193. The evidence was not sufficient to establish the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Pambianchi, 139 Conn. 543, 546, 95 A.2d 695.