By: Derek Hawkins//May 22, 2018//
WI Court of Appeals – District I
Case Name: State of Wisconsin v. Fernando Cortez Johnson
Case No.: 2017AP648-CR; 2017AP649-CR
Officials: Brennan, P.J., Brash and Dugan, JJ.
Focus: Sufficiency of Evidence
Fernando Cortez Johnson appeals from the judgments of conviction for strangulation, misdemeanor battery, disorderly conduct and intimidation of a victim in furtherance of a conspiracy, following a joint jury trial of two related cases against him. He also appeals the denial of his postconviction motions. On appeal, Johnson contends that the trial court violated his constitutional right to confrontation by admitting victim P.B.’s out-of-court statements at trial under the forfeiture by wrongdoing doctrine. He also contends there is insufficient evidence to support the conspiracy to intimidate a victim conviction. We disagree and, therefore, affirm. These background facts provide context for the issues raised on appeal. Additional relevant facts are included in our discussion.