State v. Nelson Rolon, Alias John Doe

Summary

Justice Flaherty dissents, arguing that the trial judge erred in denying the defendant’s Rule 29 motion because the state failed to prove the force or fear required for robbery, merely showing the purse’s straps were cut. He maintains that without evidence of violence or intimidation toward Ms. Joseph, the conduct constitutes purse‑snatching, not robbery, and the conviction cannot rest on speculation.