State v. Enriquez
266 P.3d 579
| Kan. Ct. App. | 2011Background
- Enriquez was convicted of conspiracy to commit first‑degree murder and possession of cocaine with intent to sell.
- Trejo‑Medrano and others plotted to kill Acosta to avoid debt for prior drug sales and to obtain more cocaine.
- Cocaine and related paraphernalia were found in the Days Inn room and in a car trunk; a gun and bullets were found on Enriquez.
- Trial court admitted evidence of prior drug activity and gave a drug‑evidence instruction patterned after PIK Crim.3d 67.13‑D.
- Enriquez did not object or request a limiting instruction; the court did not provide a 60‑455 analysis or a limiting instruction.
- Court analyzed whether the 60‑455 framework and lack of limiting instruction were reversible, ultimately finding harmless error.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unanimity for conspiracy overt acts required | Enriquez argues multiple overt acts require unanimity on which act was proven | Prosecution argues acts are alternative means, not multiple acts | No unanimity instruction required; acts are alternative means for conspiracy. |
| Admissibility and limiting instruction for prior crimes evidence | 36The court erred by admitting prior drug activity without 60‑455 analysis or limiting instruction | Harmless given overwhelming evidence | Error but harmless; conviction affirmed. |
Key Cases Cited
- State v. Boggs, 287 Kan. 298 (2008) (60‑455 analysis required; prior crimes not automatic except with proper procedure)
- State v. Gunby, 282 Kan. 39 (2006) (requires 60‑455 analysis and limiting instruction for 455 evidence)
- State v. Garcia, 285 Kan. 1 (2007) (three‑prong test for admissibility of 60‑455 evidence; require limiting instruction)
- State v. Voyles, 284 Kan. 239 (2007) (unanimity framework for multiple acts conspiracy cases)
- State v. Hooker, 271 Kan. 52 (2001) (alternative means analysis; unanimity not required for alternative means)
