People v Pichardo

Holding The court affirmed the conviction for second-degree murder and first-degree burglary, finding that the defendant’s statements were voluntarily made after a valid waiver of Miranda rights. The appellate court further determined that the evidence was legally sufficient and not against the weight of the evidence, and that any error regarding a missing witness charge was harmless.

The court’s words

the People have the burden of demonstrating, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant's statements were voluntary

2026 NY Slip Op 06328, at the official text

Whether a defendant knowingly and intelligently waived his or her rights to remain silent and to an attorney is determined upon an inquiry into the totality of the circumstances surrounding the interrogation

2026 NY Slip Op 06328, at the official text

we find that it was legally sufficient to establish the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt

2026 NY Slip Op 06328, at the official text

Any error in the Supreme Court's denial of the defendant's request for a missing witness charge was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt

2026 NY Slip Op 06328, at the official text