Commonwealth v. Pierce

Opinion by

Mr. Justice Roberts,

In 1968 appellant was indicted for murder, voluntary manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter. Appellant waived his right to a trial by jury, the murder indictment was nolle prossed, and he was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter. Post-trial motions were filed and denied and appellant was sentenced to ten years probation. This appeal followed. We affirm.

The Commonwealth’s theory of criminal responsibility is that appellant aided and abetted William “June” Smith in the killing of Anthony Rhodes, and therefore may be punished as if he were the principal…