Majority
p. 1059The People of the State of New York, Respondent, v Israel Cruz, Appellant. [912 NYS2d 891]
Appeal by the defendant from a judgment of the Supreme Court, Queens County (Knopf, J.), rendered December 11, 2008, convicting him of grand larceny in the fourth degree, upon a jury verdict, and imposing sentence.
Ordered that the judgment is affirmed.
Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prose
p. 1060
cution (see People v Contes, 60 NY2d 620 , 621 [1983]), we find that it was legally sufficient to establish the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In fulfilling our responsibility to conduct an independent review of the weight of the evidence (see CPL 470.15 [5]; People v Danielson, 9 NY3d 342 , 348-349 [2007] ), we nevertheless accord great deference to the jury’s opportunity to view the witnesses, hear the testimony, and observe demeanor (see People v Mateo, 2 NY3d 383 , 410 [2004], cert denied 542 US 946 [2004]; People v Bleakley, 69 NY2d 490 , 495 [1987]). Upon reviewing the record here, we are satisfied that the verdict of guilt was not against the weight of the evidence (see People v Romero, 7 NY3d 633 [2006]). Skelos, J.P., Balkin, Leventhal and Hall, JJ., concur.
Cases cited
- People v. Contes 60 NY2d 620 at 621 p. 1060
- People v. Danielson 9 NY3d 342 at 348-349 p. 1060
- Middleton v. McNeil 542 US 946 p. 1060
- People v. Bleakley 69 NY2d 490 at 495 p. 1060
- People v. Romero 7 NY3d 633 p. 1060