Lead Opinion
Opinion
Defendant Louis Lujan Bonillas was sentenced to death under the 1978 death penalty law (Pen. Code, § 190 et seq.)
Facts
1. The Offense
The guilt phase evidence was largely uncontested, and was based primarily on defendant’s videotaped reenactment of the crime.
Defendant was, at the time of the offense, staying at his parents’ home. The victim, Linda Martinez, lived next door with her husband and two children.
On the morning of Tuesday, September 8, 1981,
Through the front window, defendant saw Linda Martinez arrive home in her car. Instead of escaping through the window he had entered, defendant ran to the baby’s bedroom and hid in the closet. He left the closet door slightly ajar so he could see out.
Martinez came into the bedroom and placed her baby in the crib. Martinez left the room, but came back when the baby began to cry. She placed the baby in a baby swing near the living room. Defendant heard the telephone ring, and he attempted to leave. He came out of the closet, but he saw Martinez hang up the telephone, so he ran back and hid in the closet again. Martinez began running the vacuum cleaner in the baby’s room. The clothes rack in the closet where defendant was hiding fell down. Martinez heard the noise, opened the closet door and saw defendant.
Defendant stated he tried to get up and run out, but Martinez held onto him. She grabbed a glass jar of cotton swabs as she struggled with him. Defendant stated he was trying to get away, but they wrestled to the floor. He got the jar of swabs away from Martinez and hit her on the back of the
Martinez was unconscious and no longer struggling. Defendant nevertheless tore the cloth belt from Martinez’s dress, wound it tightly around her neck, and knotted it twice. Defendant stated that he ripped off the victim’s underwear, and then he left and returned home over the fence. Defendant denied sexually assaulting Martinez and he also denied removing any jewelry from her person.
Defendant denied that he had been drinking that morning, but he stated that he had smoked one PCP cigarette and three marijuana cigarettes. Defendant stated he had acted alone and that no one had been with him.
The victim’s husband discovered the body when he returned home from work that afternoon. The victim was lying face down on the floor in the baby’s room. Martinez’s wedding ring, which she always wore, and a gold watch she had given to her husband were missing. Martinez’s husband also believed Martinez’s wristwatch and a camera were missing, but he was not certain.
Dr. Irving Root performed an autopsy on the victim. He determined that death was caused by asphyxia resulting from ligature strangulation. The ligature appeared to be a cloth belt torn from the victim’s dress. Martinez had also suffered three or four injuries to the back of the head. Some glass fragments were found in her hair. Martinez had also received a hard blow to the face. The head injuries and blows could have caused unconsciousness, but were not fatal. There were also extensive injuries in the vaginal and anal area. A recent episiotomy (Martinez’s baby had been born only five weeks before the killing) had been torn open. These injuries occurred before death. Dr. Root opined that it would have taken some “fairly extensive blunt force,” “more likely than not” the insertion of a broom handle or similar object, to have caused the tearing injuries he observed. Dr. Root testified it was possible, although “highly unlikely,” that a kick could have caused the injuries to the genital and anal area.
Defendant presented no evidence in his defense at the guilt phase.
2. Procedural Facts
The procedural facts are particularly significant with respect to the primary issue in the case; i.e., whether the jury properly made an express finding of the degree of the murder.
Trial was to a jury. Defendant’s motion for judgment of acquittal pursuant to section 1118.1 was granted with respect to the vaginal and anal penetration charges. On January 27, 1983, a Thursday, the jury returned verdicts finding defendant guilty of murder as charged in the information and finding the burglary-murder special circumstance true. Defendant was also found guilty of the burglary.
Because there were to be further proceedings in the case, the court, after receiving these verdicts, admonished the jurors not to discuss the case among themselves or with anyone, and to refrain from reading anything about the case in the newspapers. The jury was then excused and the jurors were ordered to call in on February 2 to receive instructions on when to reconvene for the penalty phase.
Apparently on the following day, Friday, January 28, defense counsel brought to the court’s attention that the guilty verdict on the murder charge had failed expressly to specify the degree of murder. On the next court day, Monday, January 31, 1983, the court ordered the jury to reassemble in advance of the date scheduled for penalty phase proceedings. Defendant moved to have the court fix the degree of the murder as second degree pursuant to section 1157.
Guilt Phase Issues
Finding of Degree of Murder
Defendant argues that this case is controlled by section 1157, which specifies the appropriate procedure when a jury fails to find the degree of a
In the first instance, the jury was instructed that if it found defendant guilty of murder it was required to find the degree of the murder. However, for some unknown reason it was not furnished a verdict form by which to specify the degree, and the guilty verdict it did return on January 27 specified only that defendant was guilty of murder “as charged in the information.” Because the instructions required the jury to specify the degree of the murder and the verdict returned failed to do so, the verdict was incomplete under the law and the instructions.
There is no question that, had the court noted the omission at once and required the jury to retire at that time to complete its verdict, the verdict fixing the degree of the murder would have been lawful. Section 1161 provides in pertinent part: “When there is a verdict of conviction, in which it appears to the Court that the jury may have mistaken the law, the Court may explain the reason for that opinion and direct the jury to reconsider their verdict . . . .” There are numerous decisions applying this principle to jury verdicts incomplete or inconsistent with the court’s instructions. (People v. Scott, supra,
The specific question presented is whether, under the circumstances here, the court was authorized to reconvene the jury on January 31 for the purpose of correcting the omission and completing its verdict by specifying the degree of the murder. We conclude it was.
In People v. Hendricks (1987)
We explained: “[O]nce the court loses control over the jurors, it is without jurisdiction to call them together again. The rule rests on two bases. First, in cases in which the jury renders a complete verdict, the rule is designed to protect the verdict as an operative fact. This court implied as much in People v. Lee Yune Chong: ‘ “With the assent of the jury to the verdict as recorded, their functions with respect to the case cease, and the trial is closed”; and “after the verdict is received and the jury discharged, . . . the control of the jury and of the court over such verdict is at an end. The court cannot alter it, nor can the jury be called to alter or amend it.” ’ (
The significance of a discharge of the jury was specifically pointed out both in Lee Yune Chong and Thornton. After being discharged the jurors are “beyond the control of the court, [have] thrown off their characters as jurors, and [are] free from any official obligation.” (People v. Lee Yune Chong (1892)
In Lee Yune Chong, this court explicitly recognized the situation is different where the court has not discharged the jury, stating: “The language hereinbefore quoted, to the effect that the functions of a jury cease with their assent to the recorded verdict, must be construed, of course, as applying to a final assent followed by a discharge.” (Italics added. People v. Lee Yune Chong, supra,
Where, as here, further proceedings are to take place, the jury has not been discharged, the jurors have been specifically instructed that they are still jurors in the case, they have been admonished not to discuss the case with anyone nor to permit anyone to discuss the case with them, and they have been directed not to read anything about the case, the jurors have not thrown off their character as jurors nor entered the outside world freed of the admonitions and obligations shielding their thought processes from outside influences. Clearly, the jury here remained within the court’s control (see People v. Lee Yune Chong, supra,
Defendant contends, however, the instant case is like several other cases in which the jury’s correction of its verdict to fix the degree of the crime was held improper.
In People v. Hughes (1959)
The Hughes court considered the attempt to correct the guilt phase verdict improper as a resubmission to the jury of the issue of degree, in violation of a specific provision of former section 190.1 that “ ‘the issue of guilt shall not be retried by such [penalty phase] jury.’ ” (People v. Hughes, supra,
Having resolved the problem at hand the Hughes court, supra,
As a general proposition, however, the Hughes court’s statement, supra,
Quite obviously the instant case is fundamentally distinguishable from Hughes, supra,
Defendant also relies on People v. McDonald, supra,
In McDonald, supra,
Three and a half weeks later, the jury was reassembled for the penalty phase. Before any proceedings were had on the penalty phase, the court advised the jury that the original verdict form had omitted to specify the degree of the murder. The court then submitted a new verdict form to the jury, adding the phrase, “and we further find it to be murder of the first degree, to be true/not true [s/c].” The jury retired and deliberated for a short time before returning a supplemental verdict finding the murder was first degree.
The defendant contended in McDonald, supra,
Not only did the People in McDonald not argue that the court’s attempt to have the jury complete its verdict was proper, it appears in McDonald the People conceded it was not. (See People v. McDonald, supra,
In addition, there is at least one critical factual distinction between McDonald and this case. While the jurors in McDonald were obviously not discharged, there is no indication that the jurors in that case were admonished, as the jurors were here, that they remained jurors and were not to discuss the case with anyone, etc. As opposed to only four days here, the jurors in McDonald were not reassembled for three and a half weeks during which time, in the absence of proper admonitions, they could have been exposed to impermissible outside influences.
In the instant case, the jury’s correction and completion of its guilt phase verdict on January 31 was proper. The jury had not been discharged. Though the jury had been excused at the conclusion of proceedings on Thursday, January 27, the jury expressly remained under the control of the court. The court’s admonitions ensured that the jury was not influenced by any outside source, nor was the jury improperly influenced by being exposed to penalty phase evidence. Indeed, in contrast to McDonald, supra,
Analysis of the other decisions cited in McDonald, supra,
In People v. Dixon (1979)
On appeal the defendant argued that section 1157 required reduction of the crime to second degree when the jury announced a deadlock. We held (1) there was no evidence the jury had deadlocked on the issue of degree, and (2) section 1157 applies where a jury fails to fix the degree (e.g., through inadvertence or lenience), but does not apply where the jury is unable to reach agreement. In any event, the Dixon jury, supra,
People v. Flores (1974)
In People v. Beamon, supra,
In any event, no attempt was made in Beamon, supra,
People v. Thomas (1978)
The defendant in People v. Baeske (1976)
In People v. Doran (1972)
People v. Cox (1973)
People v. Fernandez (1963)
In re Candelario (1970)
In People v. Campbell, supra,
People v. Johns (1983)
None of these cases has any substantial relevance to the problem in this case or the problem that was inherent but not really considered in McDonald, supra,
We conclude defendant’s conviction of first degree murder was lawful and must be affirmed.
Special Circumstance Issues
1. Intent to Kill
Defendant contends that the burglary-murder special circumstance required a finding of intent to kill. Defendant has not disputed that he was the actual killer, not an aider and abettor, in this case. In People v. Anderson (1987)
2. Premeditation and Deliberation
Defendant next contends that a finding of premeditation and deliberation was required to sustain the burglary-murder special circumstance. Defendant is mistaken.
As we held in People v. Hamilton (1988)
Defendant further argues that imposition of the death penalty in the absence of a finding the murder was premeditated and deliberate is unconstitutionally arbitrary under the Eighth Amendment. As this court held in People v. Anderson, supra,
Penalty Phase Issues
Penalty Phase Evidence
The prosecution at the penalty phase rested on the evidence presented at the guilt phase.
Defendant presented extensive evidence in mitigation relating to the physical abuse he suffered as a child and his chronic drug use.
Dr. Muir, a neuropsychologist, obtained a childhood history from defendant which indicated his father often beat him and tied him up. Once, his
The other significant feature of defendant’s history was drug abuse, beginning with sniffing glue in junior high school, and including abuse of alcohol, amphetamines, marijuana and, more recently, PCP.
Dr. Muir administered some psychological tests and reviewed defendant’s school testing records. Two of the tests indicated defendant had a memory deficit. The tests also showed defendant had trouble with abstract reasoning. Defendant’s scores on verbal tests were low, but his scores on performance or nonverbal tests were nearly average.
Dr. Muir theorized that defendant was suffering from organic brain damage as a result of the beatings and other physical abuse he received as a child, including the choking incident, and as a result of his prolonged drug use. Dr. Muir’s ultimate diagnosis was mild to moderate dementia (general intellectual deterioration) with a secondary diagnosis of substance abuse disorder.
Dr. Muir felt it was significant that defendant’s recent drug use focused primarily on PCP. One effect of PCP is that it makes the user feel strong and invulnerable. Defendant used PCP to overcome anxiety caused by his psychological disabilities, but PCP also decreases the user’s ability to control himself or to think clearly.
As related to the offense, it was Dr. Muir’s opinion that defendant’s psychological disabilities prevented him from rationally choosing a course of action. When the victim arrived home, defendant panicked. He could not escape, so he hid, with mounting anxiety. When the victim discovered him, he simply acted impulsively. Defendant’s perception of the confrontation was like confrontations with his father in the past. Defendant perceived himself as the victim being attacked by a large aggressor. In addition to defendant’s panic state, his PCP use added “increased emotionality, decreased awareness of [his] surroundings, [and] decreased ability to think rapidly . . . .” Dr. Muir opined that defendant was probably not aware of what he was doing during the commission of the offense.
Various members of defendant’s family testified on his behalf, verifying the father’s cruel treatment of defendant and the other children and corroborating defendant’s drug use. In particular, several family members testified they saw defendant using PCP or saw him under the influence of drugs and alcohol over the Labor Day weekend, immediately preceding the offense.
Dr. Berman viewed the videotaped reenactment of the crime.
Dr. Forbes testified that defendant had suffered unusually severe physical abuse as a child. One of the punishments defendant’s father inflicted was to lock defendant in a closet, making him kneel on rice. If his father caught him standing up, he would beat him. Dr. Forbes believed the instant offense was highly influenced by defendant’s childhood punishment in closets. She opined that defendant acted in a dissociative state, increased by his use of PCP, when he became trapped in the closet. Defendant essentially perceived the victim as if she were his father. Defendant’s act of strangling the victim also went back to his father strangling defendant as a child. In Dr. Forbes’s opinion, defendant’s ability to respond to the situation was severely impaired.
In rebuttal, Dr. Siegal, a pharmacologist, testified that the primary psychological symptom associated with PCP use is confusion about the world. Chronic PCP users, however, develop an ability to function relatively normally at dosages which would affect a first-time user. Chronic users typically have about 50 nanograms per milliliter of PCP in the blood and are not greatly affected by it. Because of the chronic user’s tolerance to the psychological effects of PCP, intoxication does not correlate with blood level, as with alcohol, but rather with the user’s behavior. Thus, if a person had 47
In the videotaped reenactment, Dr. Siegal saw no symptoms of PCP intoxication in defendant’s behavior. He also saw no indications of nystagmus, although there was at least one point on the videotape where it should have been observable if it were present. Defendant had no difficulty in coordination, he maintained eye contact with the sergeant, and he did not slur his speech. Defendant appeared to have a good memory of the events, including, for example, the ability to correct distance estimates. Defendant asked meaningful questions of the officers and was able to indicate when he did not understand something and ask for clarification.
Dr. Siegal concluded that at the time of the offense defendant was not extremely disfunctional and had the mental capacity for memory, thinking and perception.
Dr. Skidmore, a forensic psychologist, attacked Dr. Muir’s opinion that defendant suffered from organic brain damage. She pointed out that the tests Dr. Muir used, projective personality tests, were inadequate to make an assessment of brain disfunction. Typically, comprehensive neuropsychological tests, aptitude assessments and objective personality tests should have been, but were not, performed. With regard to the tests which Dr. Muir did administer, defendant achieved his highest score on a section of the test on which brain damaged persons do not perform well.
Moreover, in Dr. Skidmore’s opinion defendant’s test scores did not support Dr. Muir’s opinion that defendant could not think abstractly or plan. Although defendant’s test scores indicated an inability to deal abstractly with language, they also indicated an above-average ability in nonverbal conceptualization. Defendant’s mother had testified, in support of the accuracy of the psychological tests offered in mitigation, that defendant grew up with English as his primary language. However, Dr. Skidmore testified that the most usual interpretation of scores like defendant’s, having significant differences between the verbal and nonverbal scores, is not that the person being tested is mentally impaired, but that the person is bilingual or grew up in a bilingual home. Defendant grew up in a bilingual home; he himself speaks both Spanish and English, and his father spoke almost no English. Thus, a “culture-fair” IQ test should also have been given.
Dr. Flanagan, a psychiatrist for the Department of Corrections, testified that he was often called by the San Bernardino County District Attorney to perform mental status evaluations of persons accused of a crime. On
Penalty Phase Contentions
1. Trial Court’s Voir Dire Statement
Before beginning each death qualification voir dire, the trial court made a statement to the following effect: “The Court is . . . required to ascertain if there is any prospective juror who entertains such a conscientious opinion regarding the death penalty that would preclude his finding the defendant guilty of murder in the first degree, if the evidence should justify such a finding and/or would preclude his finding of truthfulness as to one or all of the special circumstances alleged, if the evidence should justify such a finding or findings and/or if that juror, because of his conscientious objection to the death penalty, would under no circumstances vote for a verdict of death or the converse of that; that is, that we have any prospective juror who has such a conscientious opinion regarding the two possible verdicts that he would automatically, and in every case, vote for a verdict of death and under no circumstances vote for a verdict of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole . . . . [ft] The law never requires you to vote for the death penalty, only that you consider the death penalty if the facts warrant it. [j|] If you entertain any such conscientious opinions, the law provides that you will not be permitted or compelled to serve as a juror in this case. ...”
Defendant contends that the court’s statement informed reluctant potential jurors what to say to avoid service and informed potential jurors strongly favoring the death penalty what not to say in order to avoid disqualification. Defendant claims that the resulting jury was biased toward death.
Defendant’s claim of juror bias must be rejected. It is unsupported by any evidence, and based on the untenable presumption that the potential jurors lied during the voir dire. In any event, the trial court’s statement was an accurate and neutral reflection of the correct principles of law. (See Witherspoon v. Illinois (1968)
2. New Penalty Phase Jury
Before the beginning of the penalty phase, defendant requested the trial court to empanel a new jury for the penalty phase. We conclude defendant
Section 190.4, subdivision (c) provides: “If the trier of fact which convicted the defendant of a crime for which he may be subject to the death penalty was a jury, the same jury shall consider . . . the truth of any special circumstances which may be alleged, and the penalty to be applied, unless for good cause shown the court discharges that jury in which case a new jury shall be drawn. . . .” (Italics added.) The state has a legitimate interest in having a single jury try the issues of both guilt and penalty. (See People v. Fields (1983)
Defense counsel argued three matters had prejudiced the jury: (1) the additional proceedings to complete the guilt phase verdicts; (2) the receipt of improper evidence allegedly suggesting that defendant had sold stolen jewelry to a fence; and (3) the pathologist’s allegedly “lurid speculation” that the victim had been sexually assaulted.
Defense counsel’s first claim, that he sensed a “grim atmosphere” from the jury when it was recalled to consider the degree of the murder and that he believed the jury might blame him for being brought back early, amounted to nothing more than subjective projection. Indeed, the jury might well have realized that the prosecutor had the greatest interest in seeing to it that the jury was recalled to complete its verdict. There is no indication of any jury bias or hostility to the defense.
Nor was a new jury required on account of the second matter argued by defense counsel. In his opening statement the prosecutor stated he expected the evidence to show that defendant had sold Herman Ramirez the ring taken from the victim. Ramirez, a liquor store owner, testified that defendant had sold him a ring for $150. Ramirez further testified, however, that the photograph the prosecutor showed him did not depict the ring defendant had sold him. Accordingly, the trial court ruled the testimony irrelevant and instructed the jury to disregard it. Defense counsel’s fear that the jury would believe that the ring defendant had actually sold was stolen and that Ramirez was a fence was based on pure speculation. Further, it presumed the jury would ignore the court’s instructions to disregard the testimony.
Defendant’s third basis for requesting a new jury was the testimony of Dr. Root, the pathologist. Dr. Root testified the injuries to the victim’s vaginal and anal area were most likely caused by insertion of a foreign object, such as a broom handle, but could have been caused by a kick or kicks. The trial court ultimately granted a judgment of acquittal pursuant to
Because the court granted a judgment of acquittal on counts III and IV, defendant argues these counts should not have been charged. Not so. Defendant was originally charged with murder, burglary, rape and sodomy. After the preliminary hearing, during which Dr. Root testified to the same effect as at trial, defendant was not held to answer on the sodomy charge. For trial, the People filed an information charging murder, burglary, rape by a foreign object and sodomy by a foreign object. The fact that defendant was not held to answer on a charge of forcible sodomy does not invalidate the prosecutor’s discretionary decision to charge defendant at trial with sodomy by penetration with a foreign object. Dr. Root’s testimony was consistent with such a charge and was admissible in the case on that charge.
Defendant appears to argue in addition that the judgment of acquittal on counts III and IV at the guilt phase somehow converted the evidence into improper penalty phase evidence, in violation of section 190.3, of other criminal activity as to which the defendant was acquitted. Not so.
Section 190.3 obviously was intended to preclude presentation at the penalty phase of criminal charges of which the defendant was acquitted in a different proceeding, not charges disposed of in the present prosecution. It is commonplace for a defendant in a capital case to be tried on multiple charges. The statutory preference that the same jury should consider both the guilt phase and the penalty phase obviously contemplates that the jury may have considered charges at the guilt phase of which the defendant was acquitted. The fact that a defendant was acquitted of some charges at the guilt phase thus does not constitute “good cause” to discharge the jury and empanel a new jury for the penalty phase.
3. Testimony of Correctional Psychiatrist
Defendant presented to the trial court a motion in limine to exclude from the penalty phase trial evidence of his statements to Dr. Flanagan, a prosecution psychiatrist, on the grounds his statements to Dr. Flanagan were obtained as a result of an unreasonable delay in his arraignment and in violation of his right to counsel. The trial court denied the motion.
Defendant voluntarily surrendered himself to sheriff’s authorities at approximately 2 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 1981. Defendant was advised of his constitutional rights (Miranda v. Arizona (1966)
On September 15, Tuesday, the district attorney told sheriff’s officers he wanted Dr. Flanagan to talk to defendant. Sergeant O’Rourke contacted defendant at 11:15 a.m., introduced him to Dr. Flanagan and advised defendant once again of his Miranda rights. Defendant waived his rights and agreed to speak to Dr. Flanagan. Dr. Flanagan explained the purpose of the examination and reminded defendant his statements would be made available to the district attorney. Dr. Flanagan then performed a psychiatric examination of defendant.
The complaint against defendant was filed that same day, apparently after the examination by Dr. Flanagan. The prosecutor made the charging decision “shortly before the complaint was filed.” Defendant was arraigned on the afternoon of the same day, September 15, 1981.
Defendant contended below and urges here his arraignment was unreasonably delayed to obtain the examination by Dr. Flanagan. Section 849 requires that a defendant arrested without a warrant be brought before a magistrate “without unnecessary delay.”
There is no evidence, and in fact Sergeant O’Rourke denied, that the arraignment was delayed for the purpose of obtaining the psychiatric inter
Defendant further argues the trial court improperly refused to permit defense counsel to inquire into the prosecutor’s alleged improper motive for delay, because of its erroneous view that any delay within the two-day limit of section 825 must be considered reasonable per se. Not so. From the nature of the arguments of counsel concerning, e.g., the time necessary to prepare the case for filing, it is clear the trial court found any delay substantively reasonable.
Defendant also contends the prosecutor purposely delayed his arraignment so that he could be interviewed by Dr. Flanagan before counsel was appointed. As a corollary, defendant urges this court to establish a new rule of law that the right to appointed counsel attaches at the prearraignment stage because the question whether to submit, prearraignment, to a psychiatric evaluation is so complex and subtle that no defendant can be expected to knowingly consent without advice of counsel. Defendant acknowledges the novelty of his request to establish a new right to counsel prearraignment and admits he did not raise the issue in the trial court, although he contends he was not required to do so because it would have been futile.
Defendant’s claim must fail in any event. As we have already pointed out, defendant was repeatedly Mirandized. and thus informed of his right to counsel and freely waived his rights before the psychiatric interview was conducted. Although defendant urges the decision whether to submit to such an interview is too complex for a defendant to make without advice of counsel, the issue is precisely the same as in an investigative interrogation: that defendant’s statements may be used against him. A Miranda advisement is sufficient. (Cf. People v. Polk (1965)
Defendant’s reliance on Estelle v. Smith (1981)
In sum, there was no unreasonable delay, defendant was fully advised and freely waived his rights in submitting to the psychiatric interview, and his right to counsel was not violated.
4. Introduction of Prior Felony Conviction
Defendant next contends his representation at trial was incompetent because defense counsel asked the trial court, in the presence of the jury, to take judicial notice of defendant’s prior felony conviction. To prevail on that claim defendant must demonstrate he was prejudiced by his attorney’s failure to act as a reasonably diligent advocate (People v. Pope (1979)
The prosecutor had indicated he did not plan to introduce the prior conviction, but defense counsel explained he intended to convey to the jury that defendant had been convicted of one, but only one, prior felony, possession of a quantity of amphetamines. (Defendant had pleaded guilty and was granted probation.)
Defense counsel obviously made a tactical decision to portray defendant as a person whose only prior conviction was for a relatively minor drug possession offense and, at the same time, bolster the evidence in mitigation that defendant had a serious and prolonged drug problem which contributed to his inability to control his conduct and which grew out of the terrible physical abuse he suffered as a child. While the tactic may have been somewhat novel, under the circumstances of the case, it can hardly be said to constitute incompetent representation.
5. Standard of Proof of Mitigating Circumstances
Defendant requested an instruction to the effect that a mitigating circumstance need not be proved beyond a reasonable doubt, but that the jury must find a mitigating circumstance to exist if there is “any substantial evidence” to support it. Defendant urges the court erred in refusing this instruction and in failing to instruct generally on the standard of proof applicable to circumstances in mitigation.
We perceive no error. There is no reason to believe under the instructions in this case the jury was in any way led to believe it could consider mitigating circumstances “only if proven beyond a reasonable doubt.” Moreover, the penalty determination under the 1978 death penalty law is not standardless. The jury’s determination of the penalty is guided by consideration of the factors in aggravation and mitigation. Nonetheless, the jury is not limited in its consideration of any evidence in mitigation which could serve as a justification for imposition of a penalty less than death. (See People v. Brown (1985)
The jury here was instructed that the statutory circumstances in mitigation were merely “examples” of some of the factors the jury might consider in mitigation and that it should not limit its consideration to factors mentioned by the court, but it could consider “any other circumstances relating to the case or to [defendant] as reasons for not imposing the death sentence.” The jury was also instructed that “any one” of the factors in mitigation could provide a sufficient basis for deciding that death was not the appropriate penalty. Finally, the jury was told it could consider pity, sympathy or mercy for defendant. We conclude the jury was instructed under proper standards with respect to its consideration of mitigating circumstances.
6. Reasonable Doubt Instruction
Defendant also urges the jury should have been instructed it must return a verdict of life without possibility of parole unless it were convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that aggravating circumstances outweighed the mitigating circumstances. We considered and rejected an identical contention in People v. Rodriguez (1986)
Defendant claims the jury was erroneously instructed that it “shall” impose the death penalty if it found the aggravating circumstances outweighed the mitigating circumstances.
As we have held in People v. Brown, supra,
In this case, the jury was not misled. As already noted (at p. 790, ante), the jury here was instructed that the circumstances in mitigation were simply “examples” of some of the factors the jury could consider as reasons for deciding not to impose the death penalty. The jury was instructed it should not limit its consideration of mitigating circumstances to the specific factors mentioned by the court, but it was entitled to consider “any other circumstances relating to the case or to [defendant] as reasons for not imposing the death sentence.” The court also instructed the jury that “any one” of the mitigating circumstances would be “sufficient, standing alone” for the jury to decide “that death is not the appropriate punishment in this case.” And, in addition, the jury was told it could consider pity, sympathy or mercy for defendant in deciding “the appropriate penalty.” The instructions clearly advised the jury of the scope of its discretion in determining the appropriate penalty, including the full consideration of all evidence in mitigation.
Neither did the prosecutor’s argument mislead the jury as to its role. Rather the prosecutor argued that death was “the appropriate sentence in this case.” The prosecutor told the jurors they could assign whatever weight they deemed appropriate to the factors in mitigation. He emphasized the process was a balancing process, not a mechanical counting of the number of circumstances. He further acknowledged “there’s nothing wrong with” consideration of pity, sympathy and mercy for defendant. The thrust of the prosecutor’s argument was that the “weight” to be assigned to the aggravating factors and to the mitigating factors was such that death, rather than life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, was the appropriate penalty.
There was no Brown error.
The jury was instructed that “the fact, if true, that the murder was not premeditated and deliberate” could be considered in mitigation. The jury was also instructed on the definition of premeditation and deliberation. And, of course, the jury was told it could consider as a factor in aggravation “the circumstances of the crime of murder of which [defendant] has been convicted in the present proceeding.”
Defendant contends the jury should have been given his requested instruction that as a matter of law the murder was not premeditated and deliberate, and that this was established as a factor in mitigation. Defendant points to the standards developed in People v. Anderson (1968)
Defendant urges that the court’s instructions both deprived him of an instruction on a mitigating factor (lack of premeditation and deliberation, as a matter of law), and erroneously permitted the jury to conclude that same factor might be aggravating instead (premeditation and deliberation as a “circumstance of the crime” of which defendant was convicted).
In Anderson, this court discussed the evidence necessary to support a verdict of first degree murder on a premeditation and deliberation theory. We found that such evidence is usually of three types; i.e., evidence of activity directed toward the killing (“planning” activity—type (1) evidence), evidence of the defendant’s prior relationship to the victim which would supply a motive for killing (type (2) evidence), and evidence that the manner of killing indicates an intention to kill (type (3) evidence). We held that a jury finding of premeditation and deliberation “requires at least extremely strong evidence of (1) [planning,] or evidence of (2) [motive] in conjunction with either (1) [planning] or (3) [manner of killing manifesting intention to kill].” (People v. Anderson, supra,
Defendant’s argument that none of these three types of evidence of premeditation and deliberation was present in the instant case is incorrect. Although there was no evidence of planning activity with respect to the killing, there was evidence of motive. The victim was defendant’s neighbor and would easily have been able to recognize and identify defendant as the perpetrator of the burglary. In addition, the manner of the killing does furnish some indication of an intention to kill. Ligature strangulation is in its nature a deliberate act. In this case, the ligature was knotted twice and applied after the victim had already been rendered unconscious and unresis
Moreover, even assuming defendant’s requested instruction should have been given, he has demonstrated no prejudice. The jury was properly instructed that the absence of deliberation and premeditation was a circumstance in mitigation. It was not instructed, conversely, that a failure to find that the murder was not premeditated and deliberate could be considered a factor in aggravation. Although the court instructed that “[t]he circumstances of the crime” could be considered by the jury as either mitigating or aggravating, specific mention of premeditation and deliberation was included only among the circumstances in mitigation. It was conspicuously omitted from the factors in aggravation. In fact, the court enumerated only two additional specific circumstances the jury might consider in aggravation— the finding of the special circumstance, and defendant’s prior felony conviction—but listed numerous specific factors which could be considered in mitigation, including “The fact, if true, that the murder was not premeditated and deliberate.”
The instructions that “[t]he circumstances of the crime” could be considered either mitigating or aggravating were proper general statements of the law, and depended upon the effect of the facts the jury found. For example, evidence that defendant planned the burglary (to the extent of asking his brother to knock on the door and see if anyone was home), that defendant hid instead of escaping, that defendant did not leave after knocking Martinez unconscious but rather that he took the time to strangle her, knotting her belt twice around her neck, and that defendant completed his intent to steal by taking the victim’s ring and other jewelry, tended to show violence and callousness, and certainly would constitute “circumstances of the case” the jury could consider in aggravation.
The refusal to give defendant’s requested instruction was not error and could have resulted in no prejudice in any event.
9. Jury Note-taking
Defendant next contends the trial court committed prejudicial error in failing to give, sua sponte, a cautionary instruction to the jury about the dangers of note-taking. (See People v. Whitt (1984)
10. Prosecutorial Misconduct
Defendant assigns as error numerous instances of alleged prosecutorial misconduct during the closing penalty phase argument. In all but a few instances, defense counsel did not object or request a curative admonition from the court. (People v. Green (1980)
Defendant further asserts that defense counsel’s failure to object constitutes ineffective assistance of counsel. Not so. Almost all of the prosecutor’s remarks were within the range of permissible argument and were thus not objectionable. In addition, defense counsel successfully objected at other times when the prosecutor’s remarks were improper. Defense counsel appears to have been an experienced, diligent and effective advocate. (See People v. Pope, supra,
Specifically, defendant contends the following remarks constituted misconduct: During the closing penalty argument, the prosecutor suggested
The prosecutor characterized the victim as defenseless. This argument was not improper. Defendant physically overpowered the victim, a woman smaller than himself, struck her unconscious from behind, and strangled her after she was rendered unconscious and unresistant.
The prosecutor stated that it was “almost a form of torture” to kill by strangulation and that defendant’s treatment of the victim’s body was “torturous.” The reference to torture amounted to no more than editorial comment on the manner of the killing: strangulation with a ligature knotted twice and tied so tight it had to be cut from the victim’s neck, and the other serious bodily injuries the victim suffered before death. Moreover, it was harmless. The jury did not have before it, and therefore would not be confused by, any issue having to do with proof of torture for the purposes of establishing first degree murder or a special circumstance.
The prosecutor argued that the jury should give little weight to mercy for defendant because defendant had shown no mercy to the victim “when she was probably begging for her life.” Defense counsel immediately objected on the basis there was no evidence the victim had “begged for her life.” He pointed out that the victim was unconscious when she was strangled. The trial court sustained the objection. The promptly sustained objection adequately informed the jury that the prosecutor’s argument in this regard was baseless and should be disregarded.
The prosecutor argued that two of defendant’s brothers who had testified at trial were, like defendant, physically abused by their father when they were children, yet they “didn’t become murderers.” Defendant complains that the prosecutor made this argument contrary to the trial court’s ruling that testimony on this subject would not be allowed. Defendant has mischaracterized the trial court’s ruling. The prosecutor inquired of defendant’s mother whether one of the brothers had ever been in trouble while he was in the Marine Corps. The trial court sustained defense counsel’s objection because evidence that other siblings, who had also been mistreated by their father, had a criminal record, would be irrelevant.
The statement that the two brothers who testified were not murderers was permissible in response to defendant’s theory that the abuse of defendant when he was a child contributed to the killing. The evidence showed that the father had also brutally mistreated all defendant’s siblings. Further, it was factually correct that neither of the two brothers the prosecutor named, both of whom had testified at trial, was a murderer.
The prosecutor argued that the jury should consider that the victim was defendant’s neighbor and had recently given birth. Although these facts were not in themselves aggravating factors, they were “circumstances of the crime” which indicate defendant took advantage of the victim’s vulnerability in deciding to undertake his criminal enterprise.
Defendant next complains of the prosecutor’s argument that the instant killing was more aggravated than other felony murders because the killing was not accidental. The prosecutor argued that even an accidental felony murderer would be subject to the death penalty, but that the circumstances would not be so aggravating as in the instant case. Defendant contends this argument constituted misconduct because the prosecutor must have known that an accidental felony murder could not be subject to the death penalty. He cites Enmund v. Florida, supra,
During closing argument the prosecutor stated the crime had a devastating effect on the victim’s husband, who was suddenly left without a wife, the mother of his children. Defense counsel’s objection was sustained. The prosecutor continued his argument, stating briefly that the victim had left a husband, a four-year-old son and a five-week-old daughter. Defendant urges, with reliance on Booth v. Maryland (1987)
Finally, defendant argues the prosecutor committed prejudicial misconduct when he stated that if defendant committed the crime because he could not control an unconscious impulse, that was “even more reason to not allow him to continue living in our society anywhere.” The prosecutor’s remark was improper. If defendant did not consciously choose to act as he did that would be a circumstance in mitigation, not in aggravation. Nevertheless, no objection was made. A timely admonition from the court could have corrected the effect of the remark. Defendant is therefore precluded from raising the point on appeal. (People v. Green, supra,
Moreover, there is no reasonable possibility the statement affected the verdict. (People v. Brown (1988)
Defendant also urges that, when defense counsel failed to object to the misconduct, the trial court had a sua sponte duty to intervene and control the alleged misconduct. We rejected such a claim in People v. Poggi (1988)
11. Jury Inquiry re Executive Clemency
The jury retired to deliberate on the penalty at 2:50 p.m. on March 7, 1983. After a little more than an hour of deliberations, the jury sent the following note to the trial court: “Is there any way at all that a parole could be granted. Please list the ways. A ruling on executive clemancy [s/c].”
Defense counsel urged the court to tell the jury that “ ‘Life without parole means life without parole.’ ” The prosecutor asked the court not to
Defendant contends the trial court’s response was inadequate, and the court should have informed the jury that defendant could not be paroled, and that a sentence of life without the possibility of parole “means exactly what it says.”
Defendant also relies upon this court’s suggestion in People v. Ramos, supra,
This court’s suggestion in Ramos II that the matter might “best [be] handled” by a short statement that the commutation power applies to both sentences is not a mandatory rule. Although the trial court’s response here did not inform the jury that the Governor’s commutation power applies to both the sentences of death and life without possibility of parole, the court by its response did avoid jury speculation about the commutation power. (Cf. People v. Caro (1988)
12. Proportionality Review
Defendant argues the death sentence in this case is excessive in comparison to other cases and urges that this court must undertake a comparative sentence review. It is now well settled that comparative sentence review is not required under the Eighth Amendment. (Pulley v. Harris (1984)
Defendant also urges that his individual culpability did not warrant the death penalty, citing People v. Dillon, supra,
By contrast, defendant was 29 years old at the time of the offense in the instant case. He has a prior felony conviction. Although defendant’s theory was that he “panicked” or was unaware of his actions, he strangled the victim after he had already rendered her unconscious, rather than simply escaping as he claims was his intent. Moreover, neither the jury nor the court expressed any reluctance to find first degree murder, find the special circumstance to be true or to sentence defendant to death. We are unable to conclude the sentence is disproportionate to defendant’s individual culpability.
13. Validity of Death Penalty Statute
Defendant urges the 1978 death penalty statute is unconstitutional because it lacks certain procedural safeguards (i.e., (1) specific enumeration of which factors are aggravating and which are mitigating, (2) written jury findings regarding aggravating factors, (3) proof of aggravating factors beyond a reasonable doubt, (4) jury unanimity on aggravating factors, (5) comparative appellate review, and (6) proof beyond a reasonable doubt that death is appropriate). These contentions have been considered and rejected in People v. Rodriguez, supra,
14. Modification of Penalty
Defendant next contends the trial court failed to independently reweigh the evidence in its determination of the motion for modification of the penalty judgment pursuant to section 190.4, subdivision (e)
Defense counsel filed with the court an application for modification of the verdict pursuant to section 190.4, subdivision (e) in which he relied solely, without enumeration, upon his statements during closing argument as to why the mitigating circumstances outweighed the aggravating circumstances in this case. He also filed a motion for new trial, raising the issues of the jury’s failure to find the degree of the murder, empanelment of a new penalty phase jury, prejudice from a one-word outburst by the victim’s husband during the prosecutor’s closing argument, and several incidents of alleged prosecutorial misconduct.
The two motions were heard together. Defense counsel argued, “without going through ad nauseum all the stuff I put down in the written points and authorities” that it would be unfair to impose the death penalty on defendant, because of trial court errors, the outburst by the victim’s husband, and the prosecutor’s inflammatory argument. Defense counsel stated in closing: “This Court has heard my arguments ad nauseum as to why I don’t think that the aggravating circumstances don’t [sic] outweigh the mitigating circumstances. [U] I’m not going to flip them on you again, but this Court has also said informally off the record that you don’t think that Mr. Bonillas deserves the death penalty, and I don’t either.”
The prosecutor argued in response that the court had a duty to look at the evidence of the aggravating and mitigating circumstances to determine whether the jury’s verdict was contrary to the law or the evidence. He urged there was “ample evidence that it was not contrary to the evidence as presented in the penalty phase on aggravation and mitigation.”
The court then ruled: “I’m told I did state that I didn’t think that the defendant deserved the death penalty. I think what I actually stated was that I probably wouldn’t, if I had been handling the situation, I would not have given the death penalty.
“I’m not sure, but I think that is probably because of my objection, perhaps, to the death penalty itself, rather than to the law that requires the death penalty to be given under certain circumstances. (Italics added.)
“I’ve reviewed the briefs submitted this morning. Most of them bring up points that the Court has rendered prior decisions on during the course of the trial, during the course of the proceedings and summations.
“I don’t believe the jury made any errors in law in arriving at the death penalty.
“/ don’t think I have any right in that situation to reverse the verdict of the jury, and I’m not going to do so at this time. (Italics added.)
“So I’m going to confirm the verdict of the jury at this time . . . .”
Defendant’s contention that the trial court did not exercise its independent judgment in reweighing the evidence appears to have merit. The trial court’s statement “I think the aggravating circumstances were there, that they did exceed the mitigating circumstances. []f] I don’t think I have any right in that situation to reverse the verdict of the jury ...” can best be understood as meaning that since the jury’s verdict was supported by substantial evidence, the court lacked authority (had no “right”) to modify the penalty prescribed by the jury. But that is not the law. If, after independently reweighing and giving consideration to the evidence, the trial judge is of the view that “the jury’s findings and verdicts . . . are contrary to . . . the evidence” as reweighed by him, he has full authority and the duty to modify the verdict of death returned by the jury. (§ 190.4 [see fn. 13, ante].)
The trial court’s statement of reasons here was also deficient. It was insufficiently specific, even considering the moving papers, to indicate which aggravating or mitigating circumstances the court considered or the relative importance given them by the court. Thus, the trial court’s generalized statement not only failed to serve the statutory purpose of causing the judge to consider with particularity each of the circumstances, aggravating and mitigating, but also leaves the reviewing court unable to determine that he did.
Although the court’s statements indicate its familiarity with the issues raised during trial, the court failed to specify “sufficiently] ‘to assure thoughtful and effective appellate review . . .’” the reasons why it concluded the aggravating circumstances exceeded the mitigating circumstances. (People v. Rodriguez, supra,
Finally, defendant points out that, although the trial court stayed any sentence on the burglary conviction (§ 654), it neglected actually to impose any sentence on that count. In view of the necessity to remand the cause for a new hearing on the motion to modify the penalty, the cause will also be remanded for pronouncement of judgment on the burglary conviction.
Disposition
The judgment is affirmed in all respects except that the judgment of death is vacated and the cause is remanded to the trial court for prompt reconsideration of the automatic application for modification of the death verdict (§ 190.4, subd. (e)), and for pronouncement of judgment on the conviction of burglary. If the trial court, upon application of appropriate standards, denies the application for modification of the verdict, it shall reinstate the judgment of death. If it grants the application, it shall enter a judgment of life without possibility of parole. Any subsequent appeal shall be limited to issues related to the modification application or the sentence on the burglary count. (See People v. Rodriguez, supra,
Lucas, C. J., Mosk, J., Broussard, J., Panelli, J., and Eagleson, J., concurred.
Notes
All further statutory references are to the Penal Code unless otherwise specified.
In 1981, the Labor Day holiday fell on Monday, September 7. This offense took place on the day immediately following the holiday weekend, Tuesday, September 8.
Section 1157 provides: “Whenever a defendant is convicted of a crime or attempt to commit a crime which is distinguished into degrees, the jury, or the court if a jury trial is waived, must find the degree of the crime or attempted crime of which he is guilty. Upon the failure of the jury or the court to so determine, the degree of the crime or attempted crime of which the defendant is guilty, shall be deemed to be of the lesser degree.”
The jury was instructed it should return a finding on the burglary-murder special circumstance only if it found defendant guilty of first degree murder, and, of course, it did return a verdict of true as to the burglary-murder special circumstance. While this would plainly indicate the jury did in fact conclude the murder was first degree, the decisions of this court have insisted on an express finding of the degree to satisfy section 1157, no matter how plain the implied finding. (People v. Beamon (1973)
Where it is clear both that the verdict is complete and that the jury has been discharged the court has lost control over the jury. Thus, the statement in Thornton that Peavey stands for the proposition that such a verdict may not be reconsidered “regardless of whether or not the jury had left the court’s control” is problematic.
People v. Peavey (1981)
In Peavey, the defendant was found guilty of murder in the second degree and a use allegation was found true. The verdict was read, acknowledged and recorded. The jury was discharged, and the court also indicated to the jurors that they were free to discuss the case. Before the jury left the box, a juror attempted to change her vote. The trial court properly determined that it no longer had jurisdiction over the verdict because the verdict was complete in every way and because it had already discharged the jury.
In Grider, the foreman inadvertently signed the wrong verdict form, thereby returning a verdict of second degree rather than first degree robbery. The jury acknowledged the mistaken verdict and was discharged. The error was not discovered until the jurors had begun leaving the courtroom and conversing with other persons. Upon learning of the mistake, the judge reconvened the jury for further deliberations, and a verdict finding the defendant guilty of first degree robbery was quickly returned. On appeal, the judgment of robbery in the first degree was ordered stricken. The court held that, under the circumstances of the case, the judicial process had come to a conclusion before the jury was reconvened, and the trial judge had therefore lost control over the jury. (People v. Grider, supra,
In Lee Yune Chong, supra,
Section 1404 provides: “Neither a departure from the form or mode prescribed by this Code in respect to any pleading or proceeding, nor an error or mistake therein, renders it invalid, unless it has actually prejudiced the defendant, or tended to his prejudice, in respect to a substantial right.”
This basic holding from McDonald was recently reaffirmed in People v. Marks, supra,
Defendant voluntarily surrendered himself at approximately 2 p.m. on September 11, three days after the crime was committed. Defendant consented to be interviewed by detectives. During the interview, defendant admitted killing Martinez. Although the detectives intended to record the interview, the tape recorder was not properly connected and the initial interrogation was thus not preserved. The videotaped reenactment took place shortly after the initial interview on September 11.
It was stipulated that a blood sample taken from defendant on September 11 contained 47 nanograms of PCP per milliliter.
Section 849 is to be contrasted with section 825, which provides that a defendant arrested pursuant to a warrant must be arraigned “without unnecessary delay, and, in any event, within two days after his arrest, excluding Sundays and holidays . . . .” The two-day limitation is not contained in section 849. On the other hand, before an arrest warrant is issued, the authorities will normally have already investigated and evaluated the case and have filed a complaint sufficient to support issuance of the warrant.
Defense counsel informed the court and the prosecutor in chambers that the brother about whom the inquiry was made had been arrested for armed robbery. He also represented
Section 190.4, subdivision (e) provides in pertinent part: “In every case in which the trier of fact has returned a verdict or finding imposing the death penalty, the defendant shall be deemed to have made an application for modification of such verdict or finding pursuant to Subdivision 7 of Section 11 [81]. In ruling on the application, the judge shall review the evidence, consider, take into account, and be guided by the aggravating and mitigating circumstances referred to in Section 190.3, and shall make a determination as to whether the jury’s findings and verdicts that the aggravating circumstances outweigh the mitigating circumstances are contrary to law or the evidence presented. The judge shall state on the record the reasons for his findings.”
The trial judge herein was Fenton E. Jones. Judge Jones should rehear the motion personally; however, if he is unavailable, the motion may be heard before another judge of the same court. (People v. Brown (1988)
Concurrence Opinion
I agree with the majority opinion’s affirmance of the guilt and penalty phase judgments, as well as its decision to vacate the judgment of death and remand this case to the trial court, both to permit reconsideration of the application for the modification of the death verdict, and for imposition of sentence on the burglary count. In particular, I concur in the majority’s reasoning that Penal Code section 1157
I write separately, however, simply to suggest that the Legislature may wish to take a fresh look at the provisions of section 1157, particularly in view of the manner in which the section has been interpreted for several decades. From virtually the outset of the provision’s enactment, many cases have construed section 1157 as prescribing an inflexible rule, which often requires a court to reduce the degree of a crime in the face of clear and
This rigid application of section 1157 is clearly contrary to our present approach in dealing with the somewhat analogous situation in v/hich a trial court improperly fails to instruct the jury on a lesser included offense. In such cases, we have held that a judgment can nonetheless be affirmed so long as we can determine that “the factual question posed by the omitted instruction was necessarily resolved adversely to the defendant under other, properly given instructions.” (People v. Sedeno (1974)
In light of Sedeno, supra,
The unique confluence of factors in this case, including the fact that defense counsel fortuitously brought the jury’s inadvertent omission to the attention of the trial court before the penalty trial began, convinces me that the majority is correct in concluding that section 1157 does not require a reversal in this case. In light of today’s holding, however, we can be sure that, in the future, defense counsel will not act as the defense counsel did in this case. Because it appears at least questionable whether the settled interpretation of section 1157 truly reflects the Legislature’s actual intent, I think it would be advisable for the Legislature to reexamine the current language and prevailing interpretation of section 1157 and to make any modification in the provision which it deems appropriate.
Eagleson, J., and Kaufman, J., concurred.
Retired Associate Justice of the Supreme Court sitting under assignment by the Chairperson of the Judicial Council.
All further statutory references are to the Penal Code.
Former section 211a stated in pertinent part: “All robbery which is perpetrated by torture or by a person being armed with a dangerous or deadly weapon, ... is robbery in the first degree. All other kinds of robbery are of the second degree.”
That a literal interpretation of section 1157 often results in anomalous consequences is apparent from the reluctance expressed by the justices of our intermediate appellate courts in applying the rule. Thus, Justice McDaniel averred that “[u]nfortunately, on this point, form triumphs over substance, and the law is traduced.” (People v. Johns (1983)
Finally, a recent case involving the application of section 1157 drew two concurring opinions; one by Presiding Justice Lillie concurring “under the compulsion of section 1157” (Gray v. Superior Court (1989)