Com. v. Queer, D. ( 2015 )

J. S09007/15
NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION – SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
: PENNSYLVANIA
v. :
:
DONALD W. QUEER, : No. 376 WDA 2014
:
Appellant :
Appeal from the Judgment of Sentence, September 12, 2001,
in the Court of Common Pleas of Westmoreland County
Criminal Division at No. CP-65-CR-0000294-2000
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
: PENNSYLVANIA
v. :
:
DONALD W. QUEER, : No. 377 WDA 2014
:
Appellant :
Appeal from the Judgment of Sentence, September 12, 2001,
in the Court of Common Pleas of Westmoreland County
Criminal Division at No. CP-65-CR-0000293-2000
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
: PENNSYLVANIA
v. :
:
DONALD W. QUEER, : No. 378 WDA 2014
:
Appellant :
Appeal from the Judgment of Sentence, September 12, 2001,
in the Court of Common Pleas of Westmoreland County
Criminal Division at No. CP-65-CR-0000292-2000
J. S09007/15
BEFORE: FORD ELLIOTT, P.J.E., BOWES AND ALLEN, JJ.
MEMORANDUM BY FORD ELLIOTT, P.J.E.: FILED JULY 10, 2015
Appellant appeals from the judgment of sentence entered
September 12, 2009, following appellant’s various convictions related to
three separate arsons. Finding no merit in the issues on appeal, we affirm.
This court previously recounted the procedural history of this case
during appellant’s appeal of the order dismissing appellant’s fourth petition
filed pursuant to the Post Conviction Relief Act (“PCRA”), 42 Pa.C.S.A.
§§ 9541 to 9546:
The procedural history of this case is as
follows. On June 7, 2001, a jury found Appellant
guilty of numerous counts of arson and related
offenses. On September 12, 2001, Appellant was
sentenced to an aggregate term of no less than 29
and 1/3 nor more than 58 and 2/3 years’
imprisonment at a state correctional institution.
Appellant’s post-sentence motions were denied on
January 14, 2002, and no direct appeal was filed.
On July 2, 2002, Appellant filed his first
post-conviction petition, which was denied on
February 24, 2003. This Court affirmed that order
on April 7, 2004. On August 13, 2004, Appellant
filed his second PCRA petition. The PCRA court
dismissed this second petition as untimely in an
order entered on March 22, 2005, and Appellant did
not appeal this order. On April 11, 2005, Appellant
filed his third PCRA petition in which he requested,
for the first time, reinstatement of his direct appeal
rights. The PCRA court reinstated Appellant’s direct
appeal rights on August 3, 2005. This Court
quashed Appellant’s appeal nunc pro tunc from the
judgment of sentence on May 17, 2006, holding that
-2-
J. S09007/15
the PCRA court did not have jurisdiction to order the
reinstatement of direct appeal rights. Our Supreme
Court denied Appellant’s petition for allowance of
appeal on September 29, 2006.
Appellant filed the instant PCRA petition, his
fourth, on November 8, 2006. The PCRA court
dismissed the petition on December 12, 2006.
Commonwealth v. Queer, Nos. 147, 148, and 149 WDA 2007, unpublished
memorandum at 2-3 (Pa.Super. filed December 12, 2007).
This court went on to affirm the dismissal of his fourth PCRA petition
on the basis of untimeliness. Thereafter, appellant turned to the United
States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania for relief, filing
a petition for writ of habeas corpus on April 1, 2008. Ultimately, the
federal court granted relief, ordering the District Attorney of Westmoreland
County to petition the appropriate court to reinstate appellant’s direct appeal
rights. This timely appeal ensued.
Appellant raises the following issues on appeal:
I. WHETHER THE EVIDENCE WAS INSUFFICIENT
TO SUSTAIN THE VERDICTS AT ALL THREE
CASES?
II. WHETHER DEFENDANT SHOULD BE GRANTED
A NEW TRIAL BASED UPON TRIAL COUNSEL'S
FAILURE TO REQUEST AN ALIBI INSTRUCTION
ON ALL CASES?
Appellant’s brief at 6.
Preliminarily, we note that we cannot review appellant’s second issue,
pertaining to an allegation of ineffective assistance of counsel, on direct
-3-
J. S09007/15
appeal. It is well-settled that such claims must await collateral review.
Commonwealth v. Holmes, 79 A.3d 562, 563 (Pa. 2013). Consequently,
we will not review appellant’s second issue.
As for appellant’s first issue, pertaining to the sufficiency of the
evidence as to his various convictions, we find no error with the trial court’s
holding. After a thorough review of the record, the briefs of the parties, the
applicable law, and the well-reasoned opinion of the trial court, it is our
determination that there is no merit to the question raised on appeal.
Judge John E. Blahovec’s meticulous, 15-page opinion, filed on January 14,
2002, comprehensively discusses and properly disposes of the sufficiency of
the evidence question presented. We will adopt it as our own and affirm on
that basis.
Judgment of sentence affirmed.
Judgment Entered.
Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.
Prothonotary
Date: 7/10/2015
-4-
Circulated 06/17/2015 03:58 PM
fN THE COURT OF COlVI!YION PLEAS
VlESTIYIORELAND COUNTY, PENNSYLV.ANIA
CRJMl.L"{AL DIVISION
COtvlMON\VEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA )
) 292 C 2000
vs. ) 293 C 2000
) 294 C 2000
DONALD W. QUEER )
OPINION OF COURT
The above captioned cases are before the Court for disposition of the Defendant's
Post Sentence Motions. TI1e criminal information at case number 292 C 2000 charged
the Defendant as follows:
Count I: .Arson in violation of 18 Pa. c.s.«. §330 l (a)( l )(t).
Count 2: Arson in violation of 18 Pa.C.S.A.. §330 I (a)(l }(ii).
Count.Jr Arson in violation of L8 P_a.C.S.A .' §33()l(c)(2)., ·
Count 4: Criminal Conspiracy in violation of 18 Pa.C.SA. §90J(a)( I).
Count 5: Recklessly Endangering Another Person in violation of
18 Pa.CS.A. §2705. . . .
Count 6: Recklessly Endangering Another Person in violation of
18 Pa.CS.A. §2705.
Count 7: Criminal Mischief in violation of 18 P.a,C.S.A. §3J04(a)(I ).
These charges stem from a house fire (Piper Residence) in Cook Township, Latrobe,
Pennsylvania on February 28. 1999. · The criminal information at case number 293 C
2000 charged the Defendant as follows:
Count I: Arson in violation of 18 Pa.C.S.A. §-3301 (a)(l )Ci).
Count 2: Arson in violation of 18 Pa.C.S.A. §330l(d)(lJ. ·
Count J: Arson in violation of 18 Pa.C.S.A. §330 l (d)(:2).
Count d: Criminal Mischief in violationofl8 Pa.C.S.A. §3304(a)(l).
Count: 5: Criminal Solicitation in violation of 18 Pa.~.S.A. §902(a).
These charges stem from a fire at the Auto Haven, Inc. located on Stare Route 30 in
Deny Township in Westmoreland Countv, on March 14.' 1999. The criminal information
at case number 294 C 2000 charged the Defendant as follows:
ATTltCHMENT A
Circulated 06/17/2015 03:58 PM
Count t· Arson in violation of 18 Pa.C.S.A. §330l(a)(l)(i).
Count 2: Arson in violation of 18 Pa.CS.A. §330l(a)(l)(ii).
Count 3: Arson in violation of 18 Pa.C.S.A. §330 l(c)(2).
Count 4: Arson in violation of 18 Pa.C.S.A. §330l(d)(2).
Count 5: Criminal Solicitaucn of 18 Pa.C.S.A. §902(a).
These charges stem from a mobile home fire (Loveridge residence) in De1Ty Township.
Westmoreland County on April 9, 1999. All three cases were consolidated along wtth
case number 5l 9 C 2000 (arson related charges) and bis cc-defendant, David Ferguson's,
five cases.
A jury trial at the above captioned cases began 011 May 29. 200 I and ended on
June 7. 2001 The Defendant was acquitted at case number 519 C 2000 bur was found
guilty at the abo~e captioned cases at all counts. Sentencing occurred on. September 12.
200 I and the Defendant received the following sentence:
292 C 2000 Count 1: Not less than 10 nor more than 20 years incarceration
at the Bureau of Corrections.
Count 2: No further sentence.
Count 3: Merges with Count 2.
Count 4: Not less than 3 nor more than 6 years incarceration at
· the Bureau of Corrections consecutive' to Count l.
Count 5: Merges with Count · l.
Count 6: Merges with Count L
293 C 2000 Count 1: Not less than 2 nor more than 4 years incarceration at
the Bureau of Corrections consecutive to 292 C 2000.
Count 2: No further sentence.
Count 3: No further sentence.
Count 4: merges with Count 3.
Count 5: Not less than 16 months nor more than 32 months
incarceration consecutive to Count l.
294 C '.:WOO Count 1: Not Jess than l O nor more than 20 years incarceration
at the Bureau of Corrections consecutive to 293 C 2000.
Count 2: No further sentence.
Count 3: Merges with Count 2.
Count 4: Merges with Count 2.
Count 5: Not less than 3 nor more than 6 years incarceration at the
Bureau of Corrections consecutive to Count l. .
2
Circulated 06/17/2015 03:58 PM
At the sentencuig hearing on September 12, 200 I, the Defendant requested that
new counse! be appointed co represent rum in furure proceedings. This Court ordered
trial counsel co file post sentence motions to roll the appeal statute. New counsel was
appointed after trial counsel, filed post sentence motions on September !4, 200 l
New counsel was instructed to file supplemental post sentence motions and
supply a brief in support of said motions to the Court. By Court Order, dated November
29. 200 J. counsel was reminded of the l'.20-dn.y time constraints of Rule 720(3)(a).
Pa.Rule.Crim.Proc., and again was ordered to submit to the Court supplemental motions
and an accompanying brief. The 120-day time limit bas been reached without this Court
receiving anything additional from counsel.
This Opinion will address the original post sentence motions filed by trial
counsel. The Defendant filed the following two motions:
( l) The Defendant avers that the Commonwealth failed to
establish. with sufficient evidence, the Defendant's guilt
beyond a reasonable doubt at all counts at the above captioned
cases.
(2) TI1e Defendant avers that the Court's sentence went outside
the applicable aggravated ranges of sentencing and that the
same was excessive and therefore requests reconsideration of
sentence.
The standard of review in determining the sufficiency of the evidence. is
"whether. accepting as true all of the evidence, be it direct or circumstantial, and all
reasonable inferences arising therefrom upon which, if believed, the trier of facts could
properly have based the verdict, it is sufficient in law co prove beyond a reasonable doubt
that he defendant is guilty of the crime or crimes of which he bas been convicted."
(Citations omined) CommonweaJth v. Malone, 281 A.2d 866~ 867 (Pa. 1971)
3
Circulated 06/17/2015 03:58 PM
The Defendant at. the above captioned cases was charged with arson In v iolation
of 18 Pa CS .l... §3301(a)(1)(i). (a)(l)(ii). (c)(2), and (d)(2). These sections read as
follows.
(a) Arson endangering persons.
( l) A person commits a felony of the first degree if he intentionally Starrs
a fire or causes an explosion, or if he aids, counsels. pays or agrees to
pay another to cause a fire or explosion. whether on his own property
or on that of another, and if:
he thereby recklessly places another person in danger of death
or bodily injury. including bur not limited to a firefighter.
police officer OT other person actively engaged in fighting the
fire; or
11. he commits the act with the purpose of destroying or damaging
an inhabited building or occupied structure of another.
18 Pa.C.S.A. §330 I (a)( I )(i) and (ii) . .
(b) Arson endangering property .
._ A person commits a felony of the second degree if he intentionally starts a
fire OT causes an · explosion, whether on his own property or that of
another. or if he aids, counsels, pays or agrees to pay another to cause a
fire or explosion, and if:
(2) he thereby recklessly places an inhabited building or occupied
structure of another in danger of damage or destruction;
18 Pa.CS.A. §J30l(c)(2).
(d) Recklessly burning or exploding.
A person commits a felony of the third degree if he intentionally starts a
fire or causes an explosion, or if he aids, counsels, pays or agrees to pay
another to cause a fire or explosion. whether on his own property or on
that of another, and thereby reck.Jessly: ·
· ( 1) places an uninhabited buildrng or unoccupied structure of another in
danger of damage or destructioo;or
(2) places any personal property of another having a value chat exceeds
$5,000 or if the property is an -automobile, airplane, motorcycle
motorboat orother motor-propelled vehicle in danger of damage or
destruction.
18 Pa.C.S.A. §J30l(d)(l) and (2).
4
Circulated 06/17/2015 03:58 PM
ln order to convict a person oi arson, the prosecution must establish beyond a reasouable
doubt chat (I) there was a fire, (2) it was maliciously set. and (3) the defendant was the
guilty parry Commonwealth v. Hardcastle. 546 A.2d l 101, 1108 (Pa. 1988).
AI case number 291 C 2000 (Piper Fire) the Commouwealth presented the
following evidence: Pam Piper testified that in the early morning hours of February :2S,
1999 she was at home with her daughter, daughter-in-law, so11. and boyfriend. She heard
a loud noise like chat of an explosion. At first she thought something was thrown through
her glass window. Her daughter yelled that there was a fire. (Trial Transcript. pp. 229·
232).
Miss Piper also testified that tbe evening before the fire, on February 27. l 999,
around 8:00 p.m. that a white truck with a zigzag design on the side pulled into her
driveway. Ano th er vehicle. pull yd in beside the truck. There were three men; one in the
truck and two in the other vehicle. The man got of the truck and spoke to one of the
individuals in the other car. After· a short period of time. the vehicles both te.ft her
driveway. At trial she identified the Defendant's truck as. the truck in her driveway on
February 27, 1999. (Trial Transcript, pp. 239-245).
.
,
Trooper Leslie Myers, a fire marshal for the Pennsylvania State Police.
investigated the fire at the Piper residence. Trooper Myers testified that he found two
Molotov cocktails at the Piper residence. The first was m a beer bottle found in the yard.
The bottle coruauied a liquid that smelled like gasoline and had a piece of ctoth as a wick
through the cop of the bottle The second one was a Gold Schlagger bottle that contained
BBs and gunpowder. (Trial Transcript. pp. 313-315, 331-332).
5
Circulated 06/17/2015 03:58 PM
Trooper Myers aJso testified rhar the dryer vent 111 the back of the house had been
burnt. What appeared co have been a warer bottle was actually in the vent and had
melted. The bottle smelled like gasoline. (Trial Transcript. pp. 318-324). Near the dryer
vent was located the fuel ptpe for the oil rank for the furnace. The lid for, the oil rank had
been removed. There was a wick on the ground and matches i11 the pipe. (Trial
Transcript, p. 326). The Trooper concluded that the fire had been intentionally set by use
of the Molotov cocktails and incendiary devices placed in tile dryer vent and the oil
tank's fuel pipe. (Trial Transcript, p. 336).
Connie Knauer, the ex-fiance of David Ferguson. the Defendant's co-defendant.
testified that she heard the Defendant tell Ferguson that he knew someone who wanted a
house burned and would pay money for it. The Defendant, Ferguson, and Don Phillips
left together to go see the house on Piper Ridge. The Defendant took bis truck while the
other two went in Ferguson's red tirebird. Miss Knauer identified the Defendants truck
as tilt: same one seen by Miss Piper on February 27. 1999. She also overheard the
Defendant cell Ferguson that he was waiting for the money to pay for the job. (Trial
Transcript, pp. 711-715).
Miss Knauer also testified that she knew what a Molotov cocktail was because
she had seen them at Ferguson's apartment and had seen Ferguson making them. She
had also helped Ferguson siphon gas out of one of bis vehicles on the nigbc of the fire at
the Piper residence. Ferguson also told Miss Knauer that he had emptied out shotgun
shells to be used for the fire on the Ridge. (Trial Transcript, pp. 732-736).
Donald Phillips tesnfied that he overheard the Defendant tell Ferguson char he
needed' him to do a job: Toe Defendant indicated that he would show him where to go.
6
r Circulated 06/17/2015 03:58 PM
Ferguson then asked Phillips co go for a nde. Ferguson drove his red Carnaro and the
Defendant took his truck. Phillips idenufied the Defendant s truck as the same! truck seen
by Miss Piper. (Trial Transcript. pp. 777-781 ). Phillips testified that they went up on the
Ridge and took some back roads and stepped at the end of dead end street, There was a
house on the comer. The Defendant and Ferguson exited their vehicles and Phillips
heard the Defendant tell Ferguson that that was the house. (Trial Transcnpt, pp 78~-
785).
Phillips testified chat he went co Ferguson's house. While there Ferguson pulled
out a beet bottle with gasohne in it. Ferguson then asked how to rake a shotgun shell
apart, The gunpowder obtained was placed in the gasoline. Ferguson also grabbed a ·
Golden Schlager bottle. Phillips took Ferguson back to the Ridge. Ferguson crawled
under the trailer and when he came out handed Phillips a Budweiser beer bottle with o
wick hanging our of it. Phillips gave Ferguson a lighter and Ferguson used the lighter to
i.
light another bottle chat he threw at the house and ii caught fire. Phillips dropped his
bottle in the yard. They went back to Ferguson's place and Ferguson commented that he
could not wait lo get paid. (Trial Transcript, pp. 785-794).
This Court finds that this evidence was sufficient to convict the Defendant of
arson m violation of 18 PaC.S.A. §330J(a)(l)(i)(ii) and (c)(.2) has charged at 292 C
2000. The evidence clearly es~ablishes that there was a fire, that the fire was
intentionally set. and that the Defendant was responsible for the fire. The Defendant may
not have been the torch but he acquired someone co burn the house and showed him
where co find the house.
7
Circulated 06/17/2015 03:58 PM
At this case number the Defendant was also charged with two counts of
Recklessly Endangering Another Person in violation of 18 Pa.C.S A. §2705 A person
commits a misdemeanor of the second degree if be recklessly engages in conduct which
places or may place another person 111 danger of death or senous bodily injury. l8
Pa.C.S.A. §2705. The evidence sufficiently established that the Defendant ordered the
burning of the Piper Residence. The evidence further established tbat th.is occurred in the
.
early morning hours when Pam Piper and her family were at home. Anyone of the
occupants of the house could have been killed or suffered serious bodily injury.
The Defendant was also charged with one count of Criminal Mischief A person
is guilty of criminal mischief if be:
{l) damages tangible property of another intentionally, recklessly. or by
negligence in the employment of fire, explosives, or other dangerous
means listed in section 3302(a) of this title (relating to causing or
risking catastrophe).
The evidence, as stated above, clearly established that the fire was intentionally set and
that the Piper residence suffered damage due to the fire. Criminal mischief was
sufficiently established.
Finally the Defendant was also charged with one count ·of Criminal Conspiracy in
violation of 18 Pa.C.S.A. §903(a)( l ). This section is as follows:
(a) A person rs guilty of conspiracy with another person or persons to
commit a crime if with the intent of promoting or facilitating res
commission he
(1) agrees with such other person or persons that they or one or
more of them will engage .in conduct which constitutes such
crime or an attempt or solicitation to commit such crime;
18 Pa,C.S.A §903(a)( l). The evidence presented by the Commonwealth included the
testimony of two individuals, Miss Knauer and Mr. Phillips. who overheard the
8
Circulated 06/17/2015 03:58 PM
Defendant talking to Ferguson about buming a house on the Ridge. Phillips offered the
testimony that he drove up to the Ridge with Ferguson and the Defendant and overheard
the Defendant telling Ferguson which house. The Defendant's truck was identified by
Miss Piper as the truck she saw in her driveway the evening before the fire. Phillips
testified as TO lus part in the fire at the Piper residence. This evidence was sufficient to
establish that the Defendant conspired with Ferguson to bum the Piper residence.
AT case number 293 C 1000 (Auto Haven Fire) the Commonwealth presented the
following evidence: Trooper Leslie Myers testified that on March 14, 1999 thar he was
instructed to respond to the Auto Haven Dealership on State Rome 30 in Latrobe.
Pennsylvania. He observed a green Jaguar had been burnt out. Specifically the Jaguar's
:.. · . inside passenger compartment had sustained most of the damage.' A vehicle next to the
·, Jaguar was also ds .rnaged 25 well as the carport that the vehicles were parked under.
(Trial Transcript, pp. 346 -348).
Trooper Myers testified that the point of origin in the Jaguar w2.s the from seet
and that i1: his opinion the fire had been intentionally set. There was an AMC Eagle that
was also badly burnt The Trooper found a piece of cloth down the gas tank of the
vehicle. It W2S his opinion cha.. the tire that damaged the AMC Eagle had beer.
intentionally set as we!l. Also found was an Isuzu Trooper that had been damaged by cl
fire. A partially burnt wick was found in the ¥as cap area of the vehicle. Again. the
Trooper indicated that the fire had been intentionally set. (Trial Transcript, pp. 350-359).
Connie Knauer testified that the Defendant believed that the Auto Haven
dealership had "screwed him over on a car." The Defendant had stated char he didn't
want them in business anymore. Knauer indicated that the Defendant told this to
9
Circulated 06/17/2015 03:58 PM
Ferzuson
- - -
She drove with Ferzuson to the Auto Haven on the nizht of rhe fire. Ferzuson
-
left be: in the car and advised her to wait for a period of rime and then leave if be did not
come back. When Ferguson came back co the car be was unsure whether or nor be bad
been successful starting- the fire, so he drove back around. Knauer testified that she saw a
small flame under one of the vehicles under the tank. Ferguson again parked his car and
went back to t~e Auto Haven. He returned shortlv and they drove back home. Knauer
also helped siphon gasoline out of Ferguson's one vehicle on the night of the Auto Haven
fire (Tnal Transcript, pp.716-721, ?34).
Mr Shawn Sprock testified that the Defendant asked him and Ferguson to burn
down the Auto Haven because he was upset with a vehicle that be obtained from the
dealership. After the Auto Haven fire, Sprock testified that he saw the Defendant give
Ferguson $200.00. Ferguson at that point told the Defendant to let him know the next
time he need a job done. (Trial Transcript, pp. 605-606).
Thrs evidence sufficiently established arson as charged at this case number The
evidence established that a fire had occurred, that the tire was intenuouatly and
maliciously set. and that the Defendant ordered the fire to be sec. Tbe fire was set with
the use of an incendiary device. The Auto Haven was an uninhabited building owned by
another and damaged by the fire. There were also a nwnber of vehicles damaged in the
fire. Th.is evidence sufficiently established Arson iri violation of t8 PaC S.A
§330t(a)(!)(i), (d)(l), and (d)(2).
At this case number the Defendant was also charged with Criminal Solicitation in
violanon of 18 Pa.C.S.A §902(a).
A person is guilty of solicnation to commit a crime if wuh the intent of
promoting or facilirating its commission he commands, encourages or
10
Circulated 06/17/2015 03:58 PM
requesrs another person Lo engage 10 specific conduce which would
consutute such crime or an attempt co comrmt sucb crime or wluch
establish bis complicity ia its commission or attempted commission.
18 Pa.C S A. §903(a) The evidence presented by the Commonwealth was that the
Derendant asked Ferguson to bum down the Auto Haven because he was unhappy with
the vehicle that he bought from the dealership. The Defendant wanted the Auto Haven
out of business This evidence sufficiently established chat the Defendant comm med the
crime of criminal sohcitation.
Finally at this case number the Defendant is charged with Criminal Mischief in
violation of l 8 Pa.C.S.A §3304(a)( I). As defined above, criminal mischief occurs when
one damages the tangible property of another by means of fire or explosives. In this case
the evidence established that the Defendant requested that Ferguson bum down the Auto
Haven. Ferguson used incendiary devices in the vehicles, which resulted in a fire. The
evidence was sufficient to establish that the Defendant committed criminal mischief
At case number 294 C 2000 (Loveridge Fire) the Commonwealth presented the
following testimony: Jacquelyn Loveridge testified that she lived in her trader with her
son. Gerald, and her boyfriend. On April 9, 1999 everyone was at home. Her son was
sleeping in his room and she was in her room with her boyfriend. She heard a "pop"
noise and then her room began to fill up with smoke. All three got out of the trailer and
that they saw flames when they got outside. (Trial Transcript pp. 170-174).
Miss Loveridge also testified that she knew the Defendant because they bad lived
together for a period of four years. She also identified the Defendant s truck, (Trial
Transcript. pp 176. 17S- l 79). Gerald Loveridge testified that he was ar home on the
evening of April 9, 1999 asleep. He woke up and smelled smoke. He initially walked
Il
Circulated 06/17/2015 03:58 PM
our co the living room and saw smoke and then returned to his bedroom. In the bedroom
he reached for bis shoes chat were on the grate of the register and it looked hke the grate
was melting on the bortom of his shoes. He returned co the living room and was told by
hi: mother's boyfriend to go om tae from door. (Tti31 Transcript. P?· 2J2-213).
Trooper Kevin Karwarsky testified chat the fire was the fire was concentrated uudernearh
the trailer. He found no problems with the underground electrical sen/lee or the breaker
panel. These items suffered no fire damage in or around them and they had nothing to do
with the tire. The fire had come up from underneath the trailer through the ductwork
underneath the boy's bedroom. The fire went up through the ve~t in the boy's bedroom
and the flames came in contact with the side of the boy's bed. The mattress and box
·:,· spring were damaged The Trooper testified that the fire was intentionally started with
the available combustibles underneath the trailer. (Trial Transcript, pp. 459-469).
v.. Miss Loveridge kept holiday decorations in a cardboard cylinder under rhat pan
of the trailer. (Trial Transcript. p. 169). The owner of the trailer, Mr. Merle Ray, testified
that the trailer had no electrical problems and thar tt was valued at .$5,000.00. (Trial
Transcript, pp. '.210-122). Trooper Myers also testified that the fire was intentionally set.
(Trial Transcript. pp. 360-363).
Connie Knauer testified that she overheard the Defendant telling Ferguson that be
wanted his ex-wife's trailer burned. The three of them drove past the trailer and the
Defendant pointed it out. Knauer identified the Loveridge trailer as the trailer pointed om
by the Defendant. A week or two later Knauer went back to the trailer with Ferguson.
Aga.m she remained in the car at Fergusons request and did not see what Ferguson did
when he left the car. Knauer further testified thar the Defendant was upset that the fire
12
Circulated 06/17/2015 03:58 PM
had been set with people inside. He bad nor wanted anyone to get hurt. (Tnal Transcript.
pp. -r· -,-) .
/_J-/_/
This evidence was sufficient: co establish arson as charged at this case number.
The evidence presented showed that there was indeed a fire, chat the fire was
mtentionally ser in disregard for whether or not people were inside, and the Defendant
asked Ferguson lo set the tire for him. The trailer was also valued at S5.000.00. The
evidence was sufficient to convict the Defendant of Arson in violation of l 8 Pa.CS.A
§330l(a)( l )(i)(ii). (c)(2), and (d)(2).
At this case number the Defendant was also charged with Criminal Solicitanon in
violation of 18 Pa.C.S.A. §902(a). As stared above. cnminai solicitation occurs if one
"commands, encourages or requests". another engage in an activity that would constitute a
crime. The evidence presented by the Commonwealth was that the Defendant wanted tne
Loveridge trailer burned down. that be asked Ferguson. to do the job, and that he took
Ferguson to the location and identified which trailer he was talking about The evidence
was sufficient co convict the Defendant of criminal solicitation.
Next the Defendant seeks reconsideration of sentence and in support thereof
contends that the sentence was excessive and outside the applicable aggravated ranges of
sentencing The Defendant was sentenced to l O to 20 years incarceration at count l at
292 C 2000 (Piper Fire) and count l at 294 C 2000 (Loveridge Fire). Both of these
counts were first-degree felonies. A person convicted of a first-degree felony may be
sentenced to incarceranon for a period up ro 20 years. 18 PaC.S.A. § l l 03(1). This Court
considered the presentence investigation in reference to the above captioned cases. the
13
Circulated 06/17/2015 03:58 PM
different counts. the sentencing guidelines. and the law of merger. (Sentencing
Transcript. p. l 8)
This Court placed on the record the belief that the evidence in these cases was
overwhelming as for as guilt. Also placed on the record was the belief under common
law, that certain crimes. including arson, were considered "tremendously serious onerous
offenses against humanity." (Sentencing Transcript, pp. l 8-20). This Cou11 could nor
imagine anything worse than setting an occupied structure on fire in the middle of the
night. Such action lacked any grounds for mitigation and deserved a maximum sentence.
(Sentencing Transcript. p.20).
This Court also filed a Written Statement of Reasons ·for Deviation from the
Sentencing Guidelines on September 12. 2001. (Please see attachments). The reasons
included the fact that the Defendant paid someone else to set.the fires, the fires were set
at night and that the residences were occupied at the time of the fires. Five people were
home when the Piper residence was caught on fire and three people were home when the
Loveridge trailer was caught on fire. No consideration was given to the value of their
lives. The
. .
actions of the Defendant could have resulted in eight potential homicides.
It is further evident by the record that this Court took in to consideration the
sentencing guidelines. At case number 292 C 2000 the Defendant also received a
sentence at count 4 (Criminal Conspiracy). The standard range applicable at this counr
was twelve to twenry-four months with thirty-six months being the aggravated range.
The Defendant received a sentence of three to six years at this count. The same standard
range applied at count 5 (Criminal Solicitation) at case number 294 C 2000. Tbe
Defendant received a sentence of three to six years at this count.
14
Circulated 06/17/2015 03:58 PM
Finally a: count 1 (Arson) and count 5 (Criminal Solicitaticc) at case number 293
C ~000 the Defendant received a sentence within tbe standard range. At count l the
standard range was twelve lo twenry-four months and the Defendant received a sentence
of rwo to four years. A.: count 5 the standard range was nine to sixteen rnoaths and the
Defendant recei ved a sentence of sixteen to thirty-two months. TI1e sentencing imposed.
on the Defendant a: the above captioned cases was appropriate.
For the reasons set forth above, this Court finds that the Defendant's appeal lacks
rnent.
BY THE COURT:
Date·ro
Attest:
Clerk of Courts
cc: Leo Ciaramitaro, ADA
Ron E. Valasek. Esq.
15