Commonwealth v. Miranda

In July, 2008, the defendant, Wayne Miranda, was convicted of murder in the second degree,1 assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon (a firearm), and unlawful possession of a firearm. Represented by new counsel, he appeals from these convictions, claiming (1) that reversal is required because two witnesses at trial were paid consideration for their testimony contingent on his conviction; (2) error in the denial of his motion for required findings of not guilty; (3) prejudicial error in the prosecutor’s closing argument; and (4) that the judge erroneously failed to instmct the jury…