People v. Razdan CA4/1
D081956
Cal. Ct. App.Mar 11, 2025Background
- Kellon Talib Razdan was convicted of first-degree murder for killing Aris Keshishian, a former friend, after a violent confrontation in August 2021.
- Days before the incident, Razdan made internet searches such as “how to remove fingerprints” and “death by sledgehammer,” and stocked his car with potentially incriminating items like a knife, gloves, rope, and duct tape.
- Razdan confronted Keshishian at night, stabbed him 44 times, and left the scene calmly, later seeking medical treatment for severe hand injuries (some consistent with self-infliction).
- Razdan claimed self-defense, stating he only intended a fight and that Keshishian attacked first.
- The jury convicted Razdan of first-degree murder with premeditation, and he was sentenced to 26 years to life; he appealed arguing evidentiary, instructional, and sufficiency errors.
Issues
| Issue | Razdan's Argument | State's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sufficiency of evidence of premeditation | Evidence of premeditation speculative; no clear planning | Items, searches, recent purchases show planning | Sufficient evidence for premeditation |
| Jury instructions on premeditation/flight | Instruction blurred intent/premeditation; flight unwarranted | Jury was properly instructed per law | No instructional error |
| Admission of evidence (car items, searches, photos, body-cam) | Evidence irrelevant, prejudicial, cumulative | Shows planning, state of mind, and context | No abuse of discretion in admitting evidence |
| Cumulative error claim | Multiple errors rendered trial unfair | No error, so claim fails | No cumulative error found |
Key Cases Cited
- People v. Mendoza, 52 Cal.4th 1056 (Cal. 2011) (defines requirements for first-degree murder: deliberation and premeditation)
- People v. Lee, 51 Cal.4th 620 (Cal. 2011) (planning, motive, and manner are guiding factors for premeditation)
- People v. Jablonski, 37 Cal.4th 774 (Cal. 2006) (possession of items for crime relevant to planning)
- People v. Elliot, 37 Cal.4th 453 (Cal. 2005) (targeting vital areas and multiple wounds evidence of premeditation)
- People v. Bonilla, 41 Cal.4th 313 (Cal. 2007) (flight instruction proper so long as jury could infer flight)