Best v. Commonwealth

Indicted for grand larceny, Edward Lee Best was convicted in a bench trial and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, suspended upon his good behavior during that period. On appeal, Best challenges his conviction upon the ground that the evidence was insufficient to establish he was in exclusive possession of recently stolen property.

Between Friday, February 15, and Monday, February 18, 1980, someone entered the lot of Craddock Auto Service in Portsmouth and stole the tires and rims to a 1971 Chevrolet which was being repaired and repainted there. Under the pretense of being interested in…