Case Brief: Commonwealth v. Berkowitz

1. HaroldSowardsII
CJ 322, Tu/Th 9:30
11/9/15
Commonwealth v. Mitchell
WL 773785 (Penn. Com. PL 1993)
1. Facts
 Upper DarbyPolice Dept.receive areportonJune 21, 1992 @ 9:49 PM
 LieutenantMichael KennedyandOfficerMarkManleyproceedto7142 Stockley Road,
Upper Darby,PA whichis ownedbyJamesandBettyJo Johnson
 See KKK,niggerandcrossespaintedall overthe property
 June 25,1992 Duane Mitchell istakenintocustody
 Voluntarilywaives(inwriting) righttocounsel/silence andgivesastatementfreelyto
police
 Tellsthemthathe alone spraypaintedthe wordson the propertyandthat he had been
drinking
 Nonjurytrial heldDec.22,1992 convictedof criminal mischief under18 PA CS 2710 (B)
whichisa misdemeanorinthe 3rd
degree
 Post-trial motions filed
AnddeniedonMay 17, 1993
 Pay fine of $150
 Supreme Courtaffirmsthe denial of the motions
2. Issue
Was the evidence sufficientenoughtoprove the tangible propertywasdamagedinthe
employmentof fire,explosionorotherdangerousmeans?
3. Holding
Yes,affirmed
4. Reasoning
It isabundantlyclearthatthe defendantspraypaintedthe wordsandsymbolsonthe Johnson’s
house w/otheirpermission.All elementsof acrime have beenestablishedbeyondareasonable
doubt.Defendantintentionallydamagedthe tangibleproperty.Intentionalspraypaintingof
graffiti issufficienttosupportthe convictionof criminal mischief.