People v. Blanco

The victim was a 28-year-old self-described "street person” with a long history of mental illness and drug use. At the time of the incident, the victim was residing with another individual at the Mayfair Hotel in Manhattan. The victim was the only witness to testify to the crime itself; however, his account of the subsequent chase was corroborated by the arresting officer. Essentially, the victim testified that defendant and William Carrasquillo took $30 (a $20 bill and a $10 bill) from his pocket. Although neither defendant testified, based on their statements to the arresting officer, it…