Jones v. State

We decide whether a defendant can commit second-degree assault of the intent-to-frighten type against a victim of whose presence in particular the defendant does not know. We hold that a defendant can do so.

BACKGROUND

The State, Respondent, charged Kevin E. Jones (“Jones”), Petitioner, with various criminal offenses, including second-degree assault of the intent-to-frighten type against Christine Johnson (“Johnson”). In the Circuit Court for Somerset County (“the circuit court”), a jury tried and convicted Jones.

Because Jones contends that the evidence was insufficient to support a conviction,…