After spotting a rival gang member named "Buddha," Nigel Vasser pulled out a gun, fired several shots and inadvertently killed an innocent female bystander.
Although the Queens County Supreme Court found him guilty of second degree murder (and other crimes), Vasser argued that the evidence failed to prove that he had intended to kill the woman.
On appeal, the Appellate Division, Second Department, let the jury's verdict stand because the latter heard the witnesses' testimony and observed their demeanor. (Recorded telephone conversations wherein Vasser discussed the shooting while detained at Rikers did little to help his case.)
He must have rubbed them the wrong way.
To view a copy of the Appellate Division's decision, please use this link: People v. Vasser