Opinion
B207285 No. TA088018
08-10-2010
THE PEOPLE, Plaintiff and Respondent, v. JAMIE D. COX et al., Defendants and Appellants.
Thomas T. Ono, under appointment by the Court of Appeal, for Defendant andAppellant Jamie D. Cox.John A. Colucci, under appointment by the Court of Appeal, for Defendant andAppellant Freddie Jones.Law Offices of Chris R. Redburn and Chris R. Redburn, under appointment by theCourt of Appeal, for Defendant and Appellant Shawney D. Jackson.Edmund G. Brown, Jr., Attorney General, Dane R. Gillette, Chief AssistantAttorney General, Pamela C. Hamanaka, Senior Assistant Attorney General, Susan D.Martynec and Lance E. Winters, Deputy Attorneys General, for Plaintiff and Respondent.
Thomas T. Ono, under appointment by the Court of Appeal, for Defendant and Appellant Jamie D. Cox.
John A. Colucci, under appointment by the Court of Appeal, for Defendant and Appellant Freddie Jones.
Law Offices of Chris R. Redburn and Chris R. Redburn, under appointment by the Court of Appeal, for Defendant and Appellant Shawney D. Jackson.
Edmund G. Brown, Jr., Attorney General, Dane R. Gillette, Chief Assistant Attorney General, Pamela C. Hamanaka, Senior Assistant Attorney General, Susan D. Martynec and Lance E. Winters, Deputy Attorneys General, for Plaintiff and Respondent.
CERTIFIED FOR PARTIAL PUBLICATION
Pursuant to California Rules of Court, rules 8.1100 and 8.1110, this opinion is certified for publication with the exception of parts II and III(B)-(F).
TURNER, P. J.
APPEAL from judgments of the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, Allen Joseph Webster, Judge. Affirmed with modifications.
I. INTRODUCTION
Defendants, Freddie Howard Jones, Shawney Jackson, and Jamie Cox, appeal from their convictions for murder (Pen. Code, § 187, subd. (a)) and the jurors findings that a principal personally discharged a firearm causing great bodily injury and death (§§ 12022.53, subds. (b), (c), (d)) and the murder was committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang. (§ 186.22, subd. (b)(1)(C).) Ms. Cox and Mr. Jackson were convicted of first degree murder. Mr. Jones was convicted of second degree murder. We affirm the judgments with modifications.
All further statutory references are to the Penal Code unless otherwise indicated.
In the published portion of this opinion, we discuss defendants arguments that the trial court failed to discharge the jury panel after the prosecutor exercised nine peremptory challenges against African-American jurors. We conclude the trial court complied with its constitutional obligation to engage in a sincere and reasoned effort to evaluate the nondiscriminatory justifications provided by the deputy district attorney. Thus, no constitutional error occurred during the jury selection process.
[Part II is not to be published. See post at page 9 where publication is to resume.]
II. FACTUAL BACKGROUND
We view the evidence in a light most favorable to the judgment. (Jackson v. Virginia (1979) 443 U.S. 307, 319; People v. Osband(1996) 13 Cal.4th 622, 690; Taylor v. Stainer (9th Cir. 1994) 31 F.3d 907, 908-909.) On Fathers Day, June 15, 2003, Ms. Cox, a cousin, Shelnesha Cox, Mr. Jones, Mr. Jackson, Christopher Johnson, and Nakiea Larkin gathered near the Douglas apartments at Rosecrans and Culver.
For purposes of clarity and out of no disrespect, Shelnesha Cox will be referred to as Shelnesha because she has the same last name as one of defendants, Jamie Cox.
Ms. Larkin was dating Mr. Jones. The group was watching two women fight behind a liquor store. The Douglas apartment complex was a "stronghold" for the local gang. Thereafter, they all got into a green Lincoln Navigator that belonged to Ms. Coxs sisterin-law, Doretha Johnson. Ms. Cox was driving. Mr. Johnson was in the front passenger seat. Shelnesha sat behind the driver in the back seat next to Ms. Larkin. Mr. Jones sat in the back seat next to Ms. Larkin. Mr. Jackson was near the door of the back seat. Shelnesha expected they would just be "dippin" or riding around. Someone suggested they drive near Centennial high school. However, Ms. Cox said, "Lets go pass by Lil Jap House." Shelnesha knew that Ms. Cox and the individual identified as "Lil Jap," who was later identified as Sergio Bernal, went to school together. Shelnesha had been told Mr. Bernal used to chase Ms. Cox home from school. Ms. Cox turned onto Wilmington Avenue and then onto Paulsen Avenue and Stockwell Street. Shelnesha and Ms. Larkin knew Ms. Cox was a member of the local gang. Shelnesha "associated" with the local gang members but denied she belonged to the local gang. Shelnesha knew that Mr. Bernal was a member of a rival gang. The rival gang used to "shoot up" the apartments where the local gang resided. Ms. Larkin was not a member of the local gang. Ms. Cox, Mr. Jackson, Mr. Jones and Mr. Johnson were all members of the local gang.
As Ms. Cox drove by Mr. Bernals house, he was outside watering the grass. Ms. Cox said, "There he go." Mr. Jackson said, "What you want me to do?" Mr. Jones and Mr. Johnson said, "We gonna milk blood." When the Navigator reached Paulsen Avenue, Mr. Jackson got out of the truck. Ms. Larkin and Shelnesha saw that Mr. Jackson had a gun. Mr. Jackson ran towards Mr. Bernals house. Ms. Cox drove around the block. When they came around to Stockwell Street again, Shelnesha saw Mr. Jackson "sneaking up to" Mr. Bernals house. Shelnesha saw Mr. Jackson sneak up to the fence and reach his hand over the fence. Mr. Jackson shot Mr. Bernal. Thereafter, Shelnesha and Ms. Larkin heard gunshots. Shelnesha saw Mr. Jackson attempt to fire additional shots, but his gun jammed. Ms. Cox stopped the Navigator at the corner of Stockwell Street and Paulsen Avenue. Mr. Jackson got back into the Navigator.
Mr. Jackson seemed happy. Ms. Cox asked, "Did you get him?" Mr. Jackson responded, "Yes." Shelnesha believed Mr. Bernal saw the Navigator drive past because Ms. Cox had bright red hair. Ms. Cox then drove back to the Douglas apartments. Ms. Cox told all of those in the Navigator: "Dont say nothin. Better nobody say nothin about what happened." Ms. Larkin walked home. As she walked home, Ms. Larkin was scared and nervous. During the course of her testimony, Ms. Larkin admitted to being nervous as she testified. Ms. Larkin had been contacted by someone who told her not to come to court and testify. Shelnesha was also afraid to testify. Shelnesha feared that something would happen to her.
At approximately 4 p.m. on June 15, 2003, Jose Lizaola was standing near Paulsen Avenue and Stockwell Street. Mr. Lizaola saw a green Expedition driven by a woman circle the block two or three times. Mr. Lizaola saw what he believed to be children in the rear seat. The truck stopped. Mr. Lizaola saw an African-American man run down Stockwell Street toward the truck. That individual threw something into the back window before getting into the front passenger seat. The truck drove away. Mr. Lizaola did not hear any gunshots.
John Aguilar lived on Stockwell Street in 2003 and was Mr. Bernals friend. Mr. Aguilar previously lived with Mr. Bernal on Stockwell Street in 2002. Mr. Aguilar knew that Mr. Bernal was a member of the rival gang. Mr. Bernals gang nickname was, "Lil Jap." Mr. Aguilar was not a member of the rival gang. On June 15, 2003, Mr. Aguilar and three male friends passed Mr. Bernals house on their way to buy marijuana. Mr. Bernal was not in the yard at that time. Thereafter, Mr. Aguilar drove back down Stockwell Street. Mr. Aguilar saw an African-American man running with a gun. The man ran to the side of a black gate in front of Mr. Bernals house. The man crouched down before standing up and shooting. As Mr. Aguilar drove past, he saw a green Navigator truck parked with the door open. Mr. Aguilar turned onto Paulsen Avenue. Mr. Aguilar watched in his rear view mirror as the man who did the shooting "jumped in the truck" and was driven away. Mr. Aguilar returned to Mr. Bernals house. Mr. Bernal had been shot. Mr. Bernal died as the result of a gunshot wound to his upper back. Although Mr. Aguilar indicated that he had seen a woman driving the green Navigator at times, he was unable to identify the driver. Mr. Aguilar was also unable to identify the individual who shot Mr. Bernal.
Los Angeles County Sheriffs Detective Elizabeth Smith arrived at the crime scene on Stockwell Street. Detective Smith learned from Mr. Aguilar that a green Navigator truck was involved in the shooting. Detective Smith went with Mr. Aguilar to several places where he had previously seen that truck. Detective Smith learned that the green Navigator had been impounded a few weeks prior. The Navigator had been released to Doretha Johnson, who resided on Peach Street, on May 9, 2003. Ms. Cox was identified as having also been associated with the same green Navigator truck. The green Navigator was also impounded on June 20, 2003. Latent fingerprints were taken from the Navigator at that time. A fingerprint found on the rear drivers side doorjam, was later matched to Mr. Jackson. A.380 expended bullet casing was found in the driveway of Mr. Bernals house. A.25 caliber expended casing was recovered from the front yard.
Ms. Johnson was in a six-year relationship with Ms. Coxs brother, James Cox, who was a member of the local gang. During 2003, Ms. Johnson drove the green Navigator, which was registered to her former boyfriend, Terrence Smith. Ms. Johnson regularly loaned the green Navigator to Ms. Cox. Ms. Johnson worked varied hours. While testifying, Ms. Johnson could not recall being picked up by Ms. Cox from work in the green Navigator on June 15, 2003.
In 2006, Shelnesha spoke to Detective Steve Katz about the June 15, 2003 shooting. Shelnesha had been speaking to Detective Katz about another shooting. Shelnesha initially did not admit she was one of the individuals in the Navigator at the time of the shooting because she was afraid she would get in trouble. Shelnesha later told Detective Katz the truth. Shelnesha had been dating Cladis Ryals for approximately seven months before Mr. Bernal was shot. Mr. Ryals was a local gang member. Mr. Ryals was driving a blue Regal automobile on the day Mr. Bernal was shot. Mr. Ryals followed the green Navigator when it left the liquor store. However, Shelnesha did not see Mr. Ryals car after that. Shelnesha later married Mr. Ryals and had a child with him. Mr. Ryals was subsequently convicted of attempted murder in an unrelated charge. Shelnesha had not said anything to the authorities about the shooting prior to 2006 because she was afraid she would be arrested.
Ms. Larkin was arrested in December 2006 and charged with Mr. Bernals murder. Ms. Larkin, who was 22 years old at the time of trial, was granted immunity for her testimony. Detective Smith arrested and immediately thereafter interviewed Ms. Larkin. The interview was recorded. At the beginning of the interview, Detective Smith explained, "I told her that I was aware that she was in the green Navigator and I told her I was aware that she was with Ms. Jamie Cox, Shawney Jackson, Christopher Johnson, Shalnesha Cox and Freddie Jones." Ms. Larkin initially denied knowledge of the shooting. Detective Smith then raised the question of future custody of Ms. Larkins child. Detective Smith testified: "I explained to her that she... just recently had a baby, and that I believed that the children should be raised by their parents. And I told her that I would hate for her to lose custody of that child." Ms. Larkin began to reluctantly explain what occurred. Ms. Larkin denied being afraid of Detective Smith. Ms. Larkin felt it was the right thing to do for her family to tell the truth.
Ms. Larkin told Detective Smith that Ms. Cox was driving the green Navigator on June 15, 2003. They were driving on Stockwell Street, looking for "Lil Jap." Ms. Larkin saw Mr. Bernal in his front yard on Stockwell Street. Ms. Cox said, "There he go." Thereafter, Mr. Jackson got out of the truck. Mr. Jackson had been seated in the rear seat closest to the right door. When Mr. Jackson returned to the truck, he seemed happy. After speaking to Detective Smith, Ms. Larkin was placed in a booking area with Ms. Cox. Ms. Larking testified that Ms. Cox asked the following questions, "What took me so long" and "What did you say?" Ms. Larkin responded, "No."
Los Angeles County Sheriffs Deputy Q. Rodriguez testified concerning the gangs in this case. Detective Rodriguez worked as a gang enforcement deputy. Detective Rodriguez was familiar with 53 specific targeted gangs in the Compton area. Detective Rodriguez had assisted in the service of over 200 to 300 search warrants related to gang activity. In addition to recovering evidence, the searches produced: gang paraphernalia; graffiti; photographs; firearms; and other items that revealed the neighborhood gangs culture. Oftentimes, gang members reveal their status to police officers during consensual encounters. This allows the officers to gather information about the gangs in addition to that provided by other community members.
Detective Rodriguez was familiar with the local and rival gangs. Detective Rodriguez had been assigned to investigate the local gang from the year 2000 to 2006. The local gang had approximately 200 members. The local gang congregated at the Douglas apartments, the alley across the street known as "hellhole" and "red end" where the alley dead ends. The local gang was engaged in a pattern of criminal activity as part of gang warfare in the area. The local gang committed: murder; witness intimidation; gun possession; and assault weapon possession. The rival Latino gang had approximately 300 members. The rival Latino gang also committed murders and sold narcotics and assault weapons. In 2003, both gangs had a powerful violent presence in Compton.
Detective Rodriguez had several contacts with Ms. Cox and her family. Detective Rodriguez was familiar with Ms. Coxs gang tattoos. Detective Rodriguez served search warrants at Ms. Coxs home. Ms. Cox is the daughter of the founding member of the local gang. Some female local gang members dyed their hair red to identify with the gang. The local gang members wore red clothing. Ms. Cox had her hair dyed red. Ms. Coxs numerous tattoos were representative of the local gang. Some of the most significant tattoos on Ms. Coxs body related to the murder of a 14-year-old boy who was killed by the rival Latino gang in 2001. That murder set off gang warfare, resulting in the murder of a 14-year-old girl by the local gang. Thereafter, the warfare continued. Ms. Cox was shot in 2002 by a rival gang member. Mr. Jackson was also shot in 2002 by a rival gang member.
Detective Rodriguez also knew Mr. Johnson was a local gang member. The evidence of Mr. Johnsons gang membership consisted of: tattoos; field interview cards; associates; and a pattern of gang activities. Mr. Johnsons gang moniker suggested he was good at fighting with his hands. Mr. Jones was also a member of the local gang.
Mr. Jones had gang tattoos and associated with other local gang members, including James Cox. Mr. Jackson also admitted his membership in the local gang to law enforcement officers. Mr. Jackson also associated with other local gang members. Mr. Jackson was shot by the rival Latino gang on February 18, 2002. The rival gang member got out of the car and shot Mr. Jackson. Mr. Jackson was a new member of the local gang in the years 2002 and 2003. Mr. Jackson was still trying to establish himself within the gang. Usually a younger individual must prove himself to other gang members by committing a crime.
Mr. Bernal was a member of the rival Latino gang. Mr. Bernal had been convicted of gang-related shootings on at least two other occasions. Mr. Bernal had several tattoos that identified him as a rival gang member. Mark Bellows, a cousin of Ms. Cox, was a local gang member. On February 15, 2003, Mr. Bellows committed a robbery in case No. TA068989. Gary Darnell Philip was also a member of the local gang. Mr. Philip committed an attempted murder on a police officer on May 22, 2002, in case No. TA065298.
Citizens in the Compton area were reluctant to notify police of shootings because they were afraid of the local gang members. There was an aura of fear amongst the people that lived in the area. The local gang intimidated witnesses and bribed individuals when they agreed not to testify. The gang members often kept records of who was testifying and retaliated against them or their family either during trials or thereafter. Detective Rodriguez believed Ms. Larkin was in danger of retaliation for her testimony. Detective Rodriguez recommended Ms. Larkin relocate to another state.
Detective Rodriguez understood the term "milk blood" to mean, "Lets go kill somebody." A hypothetical question was posed to Detective Rodriguez. If while Ms. Cox was driving the Navigator toward Mr. Bernals house, Mr. Johnson said, "Lets milk blood," would a young "upstart" be influenced? Detective Rodriguez believed that based on the hypothetical question, a younger or upstart individual would be encouraged to shoot the victim. When posed with a hypothetical scenario that was similar to the facts in this case, Detective Rodriguez believed that the shooting was done for the benefit of the criminal street gang and each member present at the scene of the crime. The fact that Mr. Jackson asked Ms. Cox what she wanted him to do was significant. Ms. Cox had more status in the gang. The crime of stopping the car and getting out to commit the murder sent a strong message to the community and rival gangs.
[Part III(A) is to be published.]
III. DISCUSSION
A. Prosecutors Exercise of Peremptory Challenges
1. Factual and procedural background
Mr. Jones first argues that the trial court utilized an improper standard in determining whether the prosecutors justifications for excusing African-American jurors were pretextual. Defendants argue that the prosecutor improperly exercised peremptory challenges against African-American jurors. Ms. Cox argues that the trial court performed a "perfunctory analysis" of the prosecutors explanation for the exercise of peremptory challenges. Mr. Jackson argues that the trial court failed to scrutinize the race-neutral reasons proffered by the prosecutor.
As will be discussed in detail below, defense counsel made five separate "Wheeler motions" during the course of voir dire examination. The prosecutor made two similar motions. The trial court found a prima facie case as to each motion and allowed the parties to explain the exercise of their peremptory challenges. Thereafter, the trial court held all challenges were made on race-neutral grounds.
The voir dire examination in this case took place over six court days. The prosecutor was allowed 20 peremptory challenges. Each attorney for the four defendants was allowed 5 peremptory challenges, for a total of 20 challenges to be exercised jointly or independently. During the course of the voir dire, the prosecutor made 20 peremptory challenges. The defense exercised 18 peremptory challenges. The record does not reflect the number of African-Americans in the venire, on the final jury, or amongst the alternate jurors. Following the third defense motion made on the third day of jury selection, the trial court noted that there was one African-American juror on the panel and seven Latinos. The record reflects that the same African-American juror remained on the jury during the trial. The trial court also noted that at least one African-American juror was excused by defense counsel. But we have no record as to the number of African American jurors who ultimately were involved in deliberations and the return of the verdicts and special findings.
2. Controlling legal authority
Our Supreme Court has held: "Both the federal and state Constitutions prohibit any advocates use of peremptory challenges to exclude prospective jurors based on race. (Batson[ v. Kentucky (1986)] 476 U.S. [79,] 97; Georgia v. McCollum (1992) 505 U.S. 42, 59; [People v.] Wheeler[(1978)] 22 Cal.3d [258,] 276-277.) Doing so violates both the equal protection clause of the United States Constitution and the right to trial by a jury drawn from a representative cross-section of the community under article I, section 16 of the California Constitution. (People v. Bonilla (2007) 41 Cal.4th 313, 341; People v. Avila[ (2006)] 38 Cal.4th [491,] 541.)... [¶] The Batson three-step inquiry is well established. First the trial court must determine whether the defendant has made a prima facie showing that the prosecutor exercised a peremptory challenge based on race. Second, if the showing is made, the burden shifts to the prosecutor to demonstrate that the challenges were exercised for a race-neutral reason. Third, the court determines whether the defendant has proven purposeful discrimination. The ultimate burden of persuasion regarding racial motivation rests with, and never shifts from, the opponent of the strike. (Rice v. Collins (2006) 546 U.S. 333, 338.) The three-step procedure also applies to state constitutional claims. (People v. Bonilla, supra, 41 Cal.4th at p. 341; People v. Bell (2007) 40 Cal.4th 582, 596.)" (People v. Lenix (2008) 44 Cal.4th 602,
612-613; People v. Taylor (2010) 48 Cal.4th 574, 611-612; People v. Hamilton (2009) 45 Cal.4th 863, 898; People v. Lancaster (2007) 41 Cal.4th 50, 74; see also Johnson v. California (2005) 545 U.S. 162, 168; People v. Mills (2010) 48 Cal.4th 158, 173-174; People v. Cruz (2008) 44 Cal.4th 636, 655.)
We review a trial courts denial of a motion premised upon the improper use of a peremptory challenge with deference, examining only whether substantial evidence supports its conclusions. (People v. Mills, supra, 48 Cal.4th at p. 176; People v. Lenix, supra, 44 Cal.4th at p. 613; People v. Bonilla, supra, 41 Cal.4th at pp. 341-342; People v. Burgener (2003) 29 Cal.4th 833, 864.) In Lenix, our Supreme Court held: "[T]he trial court must evaluate not only whether the prosecutors demeanor belies a discriminatory intent, but also whether the jurors demeanor can credibly be said to have exhibited the basis for the strike attributed to the juror by the prosecutor. We have recognized that these determinations of credibility and demeanor lie "peculiarly within a trial judges province, " [citations], and we have stated that "in the absence of exceptional circumstances, we would defer to [the trial court]." [Citation.] [Citation.]" (People v. Lenix, supra, 44 Cal.4th at p. 614, quoting Hernandez v. New York (1991) 500 U.S. 352, 364-365; Snyder v. Louisiana (2008) 552 U.S. 472, 477-478; see also Thaler v. Haynes (2010) 559 U.S._, _[130 S.Ct. 1171, 1174].)
As discussed previously, we give great deference to the trial courts denial of a motion premised upon the improper use of a peremptory challenge. (People v. Lenix, supra, 44 Cal.4th at pp. 613-614 ["We presume that a prosecutor uses peremptory challenges in a constitutional manner and give great deference to the trial courts ability to distinguish bona fide reasons from sham excuses. [Citation.]"]; People v. Bonilla, supra, 41 Cal.4th at p. 341; People v. Avila, supra, 38 Cal.4th at p. 541.) Our Supreme Court has held: ""All that matters is that the prosecutors reason for exercising the peremptory challenge is sincere and legitimate, legitimate in the sense of being nondiscriminatory." [Citation.] A reason that makes no sense is nonetheless "sincere and legitimate" as long as it does not deny equal protection. [Citation.] [Citation.]" (People v. Cruz, supra, 44 Cal.4th at p. 655, quoting People v. Reynoso (2003) 31
Cal.4th 903, 919, 924, and People v. Guerra (2006) 37 Cal.4th 1067, 1100-1101, overruled on another point in People v. Rundle (2008) 43 Cal.4th 76, 151.) And often, the best evidence of a prosecutors intent in exercising a peremptory challenge is his or her demeanor when explaining why a prospective juror was excused. (Thaler v. Haynes, supra, 559 U.S. at p._ ; Hernandez v. New York, supra, 500 U.S. at p. 365 (plur. opn. of Kennedy, J.).)
3. First motion
a. overview
The first motion was made by Mr. Higgins, counsel for Mr. Jones, after the prosecutor had exercised six peremptory challenges. Mr. Higgins, argued, "We see a pattern of the excusing of [African-Americans] from this jury." Counsel for Mr. Jackson, Ms. Trotter, joined the motion, noting there was one African-American seated on the jury and one remaining in the pool of prospective jurors. The trial court found a prima facie case and requested an explanation from the prosecutor for the challenges. Thereafter, the trial court, in denying the motion explained: "[B]ased upon what the People are saying, these people were excused for nonracial or race neutral reasons, whether the defense agrees or not." When Mr. Higgins argued that the prosecutors reasons did not "cut it," the trial court explained: "Well, there seems to be confusion how we define these motions. The ideal juror, it seems to the court, other than those who have no proof for cause, theyre not, quote, unquote, ideal, they get excused for a number of reasons, but the courts standpoint, they are ideal because they were not excused for cause. There are reasons why theyre excused. How counsel view witnesses and their case from the standpoint of Wheeler Johnson [Batson], were talking about people being excused based upon a racial matter or ethnicity and [peremptory] challenges allow lawyers to excuse for any reason they want to, they can. Fat, bad breath or bad personalities, any number of reasons, as long as its not based on race. Its allowed on both sides. And it seems to the court, based upon what the People are saying, these people were excused for nonracial or race neutral reasons, whether the defense agrees or not. Its not the issue. [¶] The issue is if the court believes they were excused for something other than race, it basically does not violate Wheeler [Batson] Johnson. The People made an argument, race neutral, whether the defense believes it or not. Theyre ideal, several that defense excused, were not dealing with ideal whether the exclusion is race neutral, thats the Wheeler [Batson] Johnson standard. [¶] Also, we get into this confusion why people have been excused. If either side can document and articulate the reasons are race neutral, theres no basis to grant the motion. In this case, whether anyone agrees with it or not, the reasons are race neutral. Based on that, the court will deny the motion. [¶] I will add, I keep score, everybody who is excused. I delineate their ethnicity. At this point the People have excused six people, three Black men and three Latino males. The defense has excused two Latinos and a Middle Eastern woman and the rest white men. I keep score. I know exactly who is excused and what their race is at all times. Im saying anytime we do a Wheeler, I have a breakdown of everyone excused." When counsel for Mr. Jones, Mr. Higgins inquired about the trial courts reasons for making a comparison of those excluded, the trial court explained: "This is not a comparison. It has nothing to do with statistics, but this bench officer. Its imperative jurors are treated fairly by the lawyers, and the court should be apprised of everybody who is excused and their ethnicity and keep an indication, just like the defense makes notes indicating why certain people are excused. It there is, in fact, a Wheeler motion, the court feels it should do the same thing, thats the courts practice. The court has always done that. Each and every juror excused, I keep notes so if I have to deal with a Wheeler [Batson] Johnson motion. I have the same notes counsel makes. Theres no law says only the lawyers keep notes. I think it makes you a better judge, and you basically have a handle on jurors and a Wheeler [Batson] Johnson motion. Thats been my practice and it will continue to be my practice."
Thereafter, Ms. Trotter, counsel for Mr. Jackson, indicated the trial court should "look behind what was said in order to determine" whether there was a racial basis for the peremptory challenge. The trial court inquired, "How do you look behind what was said?" Ms. Trotter responded, "By using your common sense based on the nature of the case, the nature of the people that are excused and the nature and ethnicity of the people that are excused." The trial court answered: "The problem with using common sense is that is subjective, that basically changes from motion to motion. So the court--thats what the lawyers, you use objective. When the court starts doing it from a common sense and a subjective standpoint, the court is violating the law and the court can be accused of playing favoritism. It says were supposed to grant motions. I have granted motions if it was based upon race. Im not going to use my common sense. Common sense, different people have different perceptions of what common sense means. I will never use that standard." Mr. Higgins inquired, "Is the court saying it will only grant a Wheeler if a prosecutor or a defense comes in chambers and says he excused a person because of race?" The trial court responded: "I havent said that, nor will I make a statement like that. I made my ruling."
b. Juror No. 6300
During voir dire, the first juror in question, Juror No. 6300, an African-American, indicated that he was a 65-year-old retired truck driver with six children. He lived in "South Central" and said all of his children work. One of his sons worked for a law firm in Los Angeles. Juror No. 6300 indicated that when he lived in Alabama, he could not talk. Ms. Trotter, asked, "Now, if youre selected as a juror in this case, youre going to be required to talk. Is that going to cause you to have a problem?" Juror No. 6300 responded, "Yes." Ms. Trotter then inquired, "You dont like dealing with people and talking to other people about yourself; is that right?" Juror No. 6300 responded, "Thats correct." Ms. Trotter continued: "And, you know, then since you know you would have to talk, you really couldnt be fair then in this case, could you?" Juror No. 6300 responded, "Thats right." Ms. Trotter noted, "And I take it by your body language you really dont want to be here." Juror No. 6300 answered, "Thats the truth." Later, the trial court inquired: "Juror [No. 6300], you dont want to be here." Juror No. 6300 answered, "No, sir." Juror No. 6300 was asked if he was selected for the jury and heard all the evidence would he change his mind if other jurors felt differently than he did. Juror No. 6300 responded: "Everyone have their own mind. No, I wouldnt." Mr. Higgins asked, "But even though you might not talk a lot, could you express your opinion to the other people back there and tell them how you felt?" Juror No. 6300 answered, "Everyone have their own mind, so you cant change nobody, so I wouldnt try to change the individuals because they have--" Mr. Higgins interjected: "My question is could you tell them why you felt that way? You dont necessarily have to change their mind, but could you tell them why you felt that way?" Juror No. 6300 answered: "No, I wouldnt. I wouldnt think I would have to do anything like that, no, I wouldnt."
During a subsequent sidebar discussion regarding challenges for cause, Ms. Trotter indicated that she had initially considered excusing Juror No. 6300, but was "reconsidering." Ms. Trotter noted that Juror No. 6300 was late because of an emergency. Ms. Trotter presumed by his appearance that the emergency was related to his health. The trial court noted that Juror No. 6300 had been very guarded about the emergency. The prosecutor then indicated that Juror No. 6300 stated, "I am 70... things are hard to remember." The prosecutor also noted that Juror No. 6300 did not want to be on the jury or deliberate and would not speak up during deliberations. The trial court denied the motion for cause. Thereafter, the prosecutor excused Juror No. 6300 as her first peremptory challenge.
Following the trial courts prima facie finding, the prosecutor explained she had dismissed Juror No. 6300 because he: stated it was hard for him to remember; said he was not allowed to talk when he lived in Alabama; "viewed himself as being someone who would not like to engage in a dialogue, should he be chosen to deliberate"; was soft spoken; said he really did not like to talk; and did not want to be there. The prosecutor added: "I dont believe he would be a fair participant when the attitude that he had put forth during the questioning of all the jurors is one that he didnt want to participate. Its too serious, and when they voice the fact they dont want to participate when questioned, then I excused him for those reasons." Our Supreme Court has held that even where a prima facie case has been shown: "The prosecutor need only identify facially valid raceneutral reasons why the prospective jurors were excused. [Citations.] The explanations need not justify a challenge for cause. [Citation.] Jurors may be excused based on "hunches" and even "arbitrary" exclusion is permissible, so long as the reasons are not based on impermissible group bias. [Citation.] [Citation.]" (People v. Gutierrez (2002) 28 Cal.4th 1083, 1122; People v. Box (2000) 23 Cal.4th 1153, 1186, fn. 6, overruled on a different point in People v. Martinez (2010) 47 Cal.4th 911, 948, fn. 10; People v. Turner (1994) 8 Cal.4th 137, 165; see also Purkett v. Elem (1995) 514 U.S. 765, 767-768.) Moreover, our Supreme Court has held that a jurors unwillingness to interact with other jurors is a valid reason for a peremptory challenge. (People v. Mills, supra, 48 Cal.4th at p. 184; People v. Watson (2008) 43 Cal.4th 652, 681 [peremptory challenge supported by relevant race-neutral concerns where a juror appears too stubborn or opinionated to appropriately participate in jury deliberations]; see also People v. Yeoman (2003) 31 Cal.4th 93, 116.) It was apparent that even Ms. Trotter considered Juror No. 6300 a possible candidate for a challenge for cause based upon his responses. The expressed unwillingness of Juror No. 6300 to participate in jury deliberations constituted substantial evidence that the prosecutor exercised a permissible race-neutral reason for his excusal, thereby supporting the trial courts ruling.
c. Juror No. 6469
Juror No. 6469 was a single African-American man. Juror No. 6469 reported that he was a retired psychiatric social worker and a resident of Carson. He had previously served on four juries that reached verdicts. Juror No. 6469 had done clinical work and hospitalization assessments for Los Angeles County and managed a program that authorized "state hospital and funding." The brother of Juror No. 6469 was Judge Craig Veals. Juror No. 6469 did not discuss cases with Judge Veals because they "have a difference of opinion" over such matters. Juror No. 6469 indicated he would not have a problem being fair in this case. The prosecutor removed Juror No. 6469 by peremptory challenge.
Following the motion, the prosecutor explained that she excused Juror No. 6469 because she had tried cases before Judge Veals. The prosecutor said she would be distracted by having Judge Veals brother on the jury. Additionally, the deputy district attorney said: "He said when you asked, when your Honor asked him about his brother, does he talk about cases, juror 6469 said, We have different opinions about things so we dont talk about cases. That gave me a bit of pause because I know that Craig Veals was a prosecutor prior to the time that he took the bench." Finally, Juror No. 6469s employment as a psychiatric social worker led her to believe that he might express sympathy toward young individuals when they have been charged with a crime. Our Supreme Court has held that a prosecutor could reasonably exercise a peremptory challenge against a social worker. (People v. Watson, supra, 43 Cal.4th at p. 677; see also People v. Lewis (2008) 43 Cal.4th 415, 476-477 [parole agent with a psychology degree]; People v. Landry (1996) 49 Cal.App.4th 785, 790-791 [jurors background in psychiatry].) In addition, Juror No. 6469s brother was a judge and former prosecutor. Their disagreements were so profound they could not even discuss cases. As noted previously, the exercise of a peremptory challenge may be based upon a prosecutors "hunch" if shown to be race-neutral. (People v. Gutierrez, supra, 28 Cal.4th at p. 1122; People v. Box, supra, 23 Cal.4th at p. 1186, fn. 6.) Substantial evidence supports the trial courts determination that the prosecutors reasoning was race-neutral.
d. Juror No. 2037
Juror No. 2037, an African-American man, indicated that he grew up in Compton and had some relatives who belonged to gangs. When asked if he was a member of a gang, Juror No. 2037 responded, "Not necessarily." Juror No. 2037 was familiar with the local gang and knew some members of the local gang when he was 12 or 13 years old. When asked if that would cause him a problem with being fair in this case, he answered,
"No." When asked how he avoided joining a gang, Juror No. 2037 said he was "academically smart" and got interested in other things which pointed him in a different direction. His ex-wife was studying for the bar exam. The prosecutor excused Juror No. 2037 with her sixth peremptory challenge.
In explaining her reasons for excusing Juror No. 2037, the prosecutor initially explained: "[H]e indicated his ex-wife was sitting for the bar. That caused me concern because I didnt have an opportunity to question him about feelings he may have had about attorneys, but its his ex-wife." In addition, the prosecutor exercised the peremptory challenge because Juror No. 2037: grew up with gangs in Compton; had relatives who were gang members; knew about the local gang members; and he had "[run] with and associated with other gang members who are of the same gang as the defendants charged in this matter...." The prosecutor indicated that she had not had an opportunity to question Juror No. 2037 further about sitting as a juror in a local gang case where he might still know individuals involved in that gang. In People v. Watson, supra, 43 Cal.4th at pages 679-680, our Supreme Court held that contacts with members of street gangs where the prospective juror lived provided support for the prosecutors bias concerns. Juror No. 2037 not only knew about the local gang, but grew up with members of that gang and "ran with them" when he was 12 or 13. Substantial evidence supports the trial courts finding the exercise of the peremptory challenge at issue was a raceneutral decision by the prosecutor.
4. Second motion
a. Overview
The second motion was again made by Mr. Higgins on behalf of Mr. Jones after the prosecutor excused Juror No. 3348, an African-American woman. Mr. Higgins argued that the prosecutor had now excused five African-American jurors. The trial court found a prima facie case had been demonstrated, noting, that another juror who knew the family of one of the defendants parents had also been excused by the prosecutor. The trial court denied the second motion, satisfied the reasons given were race-neutral. After finding each peremptory challenge race-neutral and discussing each individually, the trial court noted: "Now, I cant psychoanalyze any lawyer as to the basis why they kick anybody. And that the--if the issue presented suggested that this is [race-neutral], then the court has to basically make a determination based upon it, unless there is some other factors that suggest that that person is basically excusing people based upon racial matters. But I have not heard anything yet that has suggested that. So unless and until I do, it is basically--I cant make a finding based upon the fact that people are excused because of that. If that happens, court will make a determination. And I cant just use common sense or just surmise that because X number of individuals are excused based upon that ethnicity, that that means they are being excused for racist reasons, I dont necessarily believe that. But nevertheless the law says that anybody who basically has to respond to a Wheeler/Batson/Johnson motion, has to give reasons. If the reasons appear to be [race-neutral], then the court [basically] has to accept it at face value, unless there is something else presented that basically, is factual, not surmising by one or more lawyers. So thats basically the basis of this particular motion. [¶] And I would suggest that I assume each and every time, although, I guess, Im kind of predicting, but I guess each and every time one or two African-Americans is excused, we are going to have Wheeler/Batson/Johnson motions, which is fine with the court. I dont have any problem with that. [¶]As it stands now--I indicated last week that I keep track of every ethnicity, both People as well as defense. As of now, the People have excused 11 people, five African-Americans, six Latinos. The defense has excused four Latinos. One, [believed] to be an Indian from India, as opposed to two white men. And Mr. Higgins has excused one Latina. So there has been five by the defense and six for the People. This first panel pretty much is Latino. It seems to the court the number of Latinas seem to have been a large portion than of the other races. [¶] So that is where we are at this particular time. So, again, the court does keep up with not only the ethnicity, but also the questions and responses of all of the jurors."
b. Juror No. 3348
Juror No. 3348, an African-American woman, indicated that she lived in Carson, was married and had five children. She was a dispatch supervisor for a delivery company. She had never served on a jury. Juror No. 3348 later reported that her father had been in prison for approximately 10 years following his conviction "for drugs." She indicated that would not make it difficult for her to be a juror in this case. The prosecutor excused Juror No. 3348. This was the prosecutors 11th peremptory challenge.
In explaining why a peremptory challenge was exercised as to juror No. 3348 the prosecutor stated: "First..., the responses to the courts questions... [s]he did not provide any affirmative responses to any of those. So I feel as if I got very little information from her." The prosecutor further explained: "[M]ost significantly, your Honor, she told us she presently has a brother [sic] who is incarcerated in jail.... [I]t has been my experience as a Deputy District Attorney that there are times when people have experiences with law enforcement or people incarcerated that are not always brought up in questioning.... [I]t has been my experience that when someone has a relative [who] is currently in jail, presumably put there by a Deputy District Attorney through a criminal proceeding, that that juror may be disinclined to be a fair juror for the People...." These are race-neutral justifications for this exercise of a peremptory challenge. (People v. Roldan (2005) 35 Cal.4th 646, 703, overruled on a different point in People v. Doolin (2009) 45 Cal. 4th 390, 421, fn. 22; People v. Douglas (1995) 36 Cal.App.4th 1681, 1690; see also People v. Watson, supra, 43 Cal.4th at p. 678; People v. Farnam (2002) 28 Cal.4th 107, 138.)
c. Juror No. 8289
Juror No. 8289, an African-American woman, stated that she was married and had six children. She worked as a court services assistant for Los Angeles County Superior
Court. Juror No. 8289 recognized someone in the audience named Emma Beverly. Ms. Beverly was a friend of Juror No. 8289s sister. Juror No. 8289 had seen Ms. Beverly at a funeral some six years prior. Juror No. 8289 had been raised in Compton, but left when she was about 16 years old. Juror No. 8289 spoke to Ms. Beverly in the elevator and inquired, "Arent you a Bellow?" Ms. Beverly responded, "Yes... I recognize you as a Jones." Juror No. 8289 responded: "I am a Jones. I used to live on the corner [in the area of the local gang]." Juror No. 8289 asked, "Hows your sister?" Ms. Beverly answered, "Shes dead." Juror No. 8289 later saw Ms. Cox smile at Ms. Beverly as she entered the courtroom. In response to further questioning by the court, Juror No. 8289 acknowledged that she had cousins who are associated with the gangs but did not know which side they were on. Juror No. 8289 indicated that the conversation in the elevator would not affect her ability to be fair in this case. Thereafter, the prosecutor moved to excuse Juror No. 8289 for cause based on the information provided. The prosecutor noted that Juror No. 8289 had approached someone and initiated a conversation despite the fact that the jurors had been advised not to speak to anyone. The trial court denied the motion. Thereafter, the prosecutor exercised her seventh peremptory challenge to excuse Juror No. 8289.
In explaining her peremptory challenge, the prosecutor stated: "I would restate my reasons that I did when I made a challenge for cause. The fact that this juror came forward and told the court and counsel that she had had contact with someone is admirable, however, it concerns me that she--that a prospective juror had a relationship with the Cox/Bellows family. There are going to be these individuals in court on a regular basis supporting [Ms.] Cox, who is a defendant in this case, with three others. It is my position that the potential for some sort of contact again or potential bias makes--made that juror rather better suited to some other case where she doesnt have a connection or knowledge with family members that she grew up with in the defendants family. Not to mention that one of the defendants family spoke to her. And I believe that that would be a potential for improper influence, perhaps fear, perhaps reluctance to return a verdict, to find her guilty or not guilty." The prosecutor could reasonably be concerned that Juror No. 8289 came forward to report an encounter with a family member of Ms. Cox. Further, the prosecutor could reasonably conclude Juror No. 8289s judgment might be influenced by a familiarity with not only Ms. Beverly but other family members who might appear in court or by Ms. Cox. On this record, substantial evidence supports the trial courts ruling on the second motion.
5. Third motion
a. Overview
The third motion was again made by Mr. Higgins, who argued that the prosecutor had excused two African-American women. Mr. Higgins acknowledged that Juror No. 0342 did have "some issues and problems" with her friends children. After finding a prima facie showing had been made, the trial court denied the motion to discharge the panel. After hearing the prosecutors reasons for excusing two more African-American prospective jurors and the arguments of defense counsel, the trial court denied the motion. In denying the motion, the trial court noted: "I dont see anything. I am just kind of curious. The defense excused Juror No. 4, Black male who seemed to be, basically, identical in terms of the issues that the defense is alleging with respect to excusing Juror No[s]. 2 and 4. He seemed to be the ideal juror, just based on what the court heard, although the court is not selecting the jurors. I think the same thing that applies to these arguments why the people should not be excused, as to [Juror Nos.] 2 and 4, seems to the court to apply to Juror No. 4, as well. I dont see why when he said that he couldnt be fair and impartial. In fact, I thought he was remarkable, but, you know, certainly that is why we have peremptory challenges. [¶] I am not attacking that. I am only suggesting that it seems to be the same argument being made as to [Juror Nos.] 2 and 4 and the reason why they, basically, should not be allowed to sit would be the same reason that [applies] to Juror No. 4, Black male that was excused [by the defense]."
b. Juror No. 8871
Juror No. 8871 was a single African-American woman. She worked as a coach bus driver for the Orange County Transportation Authority. She had never served on a jury. Juror No. 8871s father had been killed by a drunk hit and run driver in Compton 15 years earlier. No one was ever prosecuted for the crime. Juror No. 8871 stated that she would not hold the fact that no one had been prosecuted against anyone in this trial although she felt the "system" let her family down. Juror No. 8871 had a previous boyfriend who was arrested on a drug charge and a nephew that was arrested and was incarcerated. The nephew had been tried in the Compton courthouse. The same nephew, who used crack cocaine, had been arrested again the weekend prior to the voir dire questioning. Juror No. 8871 said that nothing about those cases would cause her a problem in this case.
The stated reasons were race-neutral. Juror No. 8871 had indicated the system let her family down because no one was prosecuted for her fathers death. In addition, Juror No. 8871s nephew was prosecuted in the Compton court and was recently arrested again. As noted, the fact that a prospective jurors family member is either incarcerated or undergoing prosecution is a valid reason to exercise a peremptory challenge. (People v. Roldan, supra, 35 Cal.4th at p. 703; People v. Watson, supra, 43 Cal.4th at p. 678; People v. Farnam, supra, 28 Cal.4th at p. 138.)
c. Juror No. 0342
Juror No. 0342 was a single African-American woman and mother of a three-year old child who lived in North Long Beach. She worked as a truck unloader at Target on the graveyard shift. She had been an alternate juror on a jury once before that reached a verdict. Approximately 20 years earlier, Juror No. 0342 had been the victim of an armed bank robbery when she worked as a teller. The robber had never been apprehended. In 2001, Juror No. 0342 also had a good friend who was stabbed 15 times. His assailants had tried to decapitate him, but he survived. No one was apprehended for the crime. In addition, a girlfriend of Juror No. 0342 lost two of her sons in gang-related shootings in Compton in the years 2000 and 2004. The local gang was implicated in the shootings. Juror No. 0342 grew up in Compton but felt that these circumstances would not cause her to be unfair. Juror No. 0342 felt that she could listen to the case and be fair to all parties "based upon the facts." Finally, the father of her child had been arrested numerous times. The arrests were for drugs, gangs and child molestation. The father had been arrested throughout his life. Juror No. 0342 had not known about his past until after she was pregnant. Juror No. 0342 no longer had contact with the father of their child. When asked whether she could be fair given the fact the father of their child rarely came by, Juror No. 0342 smiled. The following occurred: "The court: Anything about that would cause you to have problem being fair in this case? [¶] You are smiling at me. What does that tell us? [¶] [Juror No. 0342]: I would be fair judging based--[¶] The court: So why are you smiling? [¶] [Juror No. 0342]: Because he is a whole different category. What I know him, he is a whole different other fact, whole other thing. I dont know these folks or anything about them or their past or nothing like that." Again while discussing the father with the extensive criminal record, the following occurred: "The court: The concern I have, would that somehow... spill over into how you feel about some other people involved in this case? You might take-because you couldnt get your baby daddy. [¶] [Juror No. 0342]: I would hope not. [¶] The court: You dont want to. You hope not? [¶] [Juror No. 0342]: I am answering truthfully. I would say right now I am saying no." Juror No. 0342 indicated: "So I have to say, truthfully, I mean I will not be biased or try to be prejudiced or anything toward any of them. [¶]... [¶] Put all that past, and do what I have to do." The prosecutors 15th peremptory challenge was utilized to excuse Juror No. 0342.
The prosecutor explained: Juror No. 0342 had been held up at gunpoint while employed as a teller; had a friend who was nearly decapitated and stabbed 15 times in 2001; had a good friend whose two sons were murdered as a result of gang violence in Compton; and the father of their daughter had been in jail, on parole and was currently incarcerated due to child molestation charges. The prosecutor noted that the murder in this case occurred in 2003 in the same area where the sons of Juror No. 0342s friend were killed in the years 2000 and 2004. Juror No. 0342s life experiences and hesitation in responding that she could be unbiased could reasonably be considered prejudicial to the prosecution. These race-neutral reasons provide substantial evidence to justify the trial courts ruling on the third motion.
6. Fourth motion
a. Overview
Ms. Trotter, counsel for Mr. Jackson, made the fourth motion following the prosecutors exercise of her 18th peremptory challenge to excuse Juror No. 6223. The trial court found a prima facie case had been established, directed the prosecutor to explain her rationale for excusing Juror No. 6223 and subsequently denied the motion. In denying the motion, the trial court explained: "As I indicated last week, with respect to peremptory challenge, it is based upon some particular reason that the lawyers feel that they dont want to pick the person on their particular jury, a number of factors, as long as it is [race-neutral]. Now we have exercised about 31, 32 peremptory challenges among the five of you, probably of the 32 jurors excused, a good 29, 28 have all said they could be fair, all could be impartial, all could listen to the evidence, but for some reason or another they were excused based upon some [race-neutral] premise. It just seems to me that certain jurors are subject, certain jurors, result--and there have been Wheeler/Batson/Johnson motions when a particular side doesnt particularly care why certain people were excused, based upon what they believe to be ethnic reasons. But I would say, other than three jurors who have been excused, everybody said they could be fair and impartial, objective, open-minded, articulate, interested, wanted to serve, but they were excused. And they were just as worthy of serving as some of the people who have been the subject of this Wheeler/Batson motion. [¶] So I just still dont, you know, ask counsel and [reiterate] that, you know, these arguments that you make as to why certain people should not be excused as they apply to a lot of people, but those people are not the subject of the Wheeler/Batson motion for a number of reasons. [¶] I just point out, I have no problems with these motions, but seems that each side is able to couch and justify why they excuse people peremptorily and has nothing to do with race or race matters. So I just throw that out for counsel. I have no problems. I am not trying to discourage these motions, but my only suggestion is that most of the people that we excuse seem to be fair jurors, at least in the courts eyes. But I understand you are advocates, you are looking for a certain person for certain reasons, but the answers that you have given as to why certain are excused that apply to other folks who are not the subject of these motions, too."
Thereafter, Mr. Higgins asked the court to "look behind these reasons to see whether" the peremptory challenge exercised against Juror No. 6223 was actually justified. When the trial court asked for clarification, Mr. Higgins responded: "Dont just take it at face value. I dont think you can take it simply at face value. You look at it, you look at the pattern that has been going on and if it doesnt necessarily fit, and if we have jury such as just been excused, who has no particular problem, other than this unfortunate incident that happened in the life of her husband, I think that the court has a duty to look behind that to see whether or not there is really a pattern of discrimination based on race." The trial court responded: "Well, you are asking me to read somebodys mind, which I cant do. I dont think the law even allows or provides for the court to do that. But I still indicate there are other people who have been excused, the court feels were fit and proper subjects and fit and proper jurors, but they were excused for any number of reasons, based upon some [predilection] or strategy of the lawyer, but they are not the subject of Wheeler/Batson/Johnson motion. But the court can look behind that and make certain assumptions. [¶] I think you are asking the court to be a mind reader. I dont think that is fair to any side. I mean, if you want to excuse a particular person, that is your right, because you are an advocate and you want the best jurors for your clients. So I am not about to do that. [¶] Plus, I dont think I need to qualify and even capable of acting in some sort of psychiatric or sociological decision to make these findings. Only the court--and the law has provided these motions, I hear these motions, entertain them. I think there is good cause, I grant them. If not, I will deny them."
b. Juror No. 6223
Juror No. 6223 was a married African-American woman who lived in Harbor City and worked for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. She had previously served on a jury involving a murder. The jury reached a verdict. Someone stole Juror No. 6223s rims and tires from her car. In 1990, Juror No. 6223 was present at her uncles restaurant in Compton when two individuals robbed the owner and patrons. Juror No. 6223s husband was arrested by an off-duty police officer at a Jordan High School football game. Her husband and others were asked to sit down. Her husband and the officer "went tumbling down the stands" and a fight erupted. Her husband was ultimately charged with misdemeanor disturbing the peace. When asked by the trial court whether she thought her husband was treated fairly, Juror No. 6223 hesitated. She then responded, "[The off-duty police officer] should have identified himself, I feel, you know, maybe things would have went differently." Juror No. 6223 did not feel she would be biased against the authorities in this case as a result of that experience. Juror No. 6223 heard of the local gang but did not know anything about them.
The prosecutor explained her reasons for exercising this peremptory challenge as follows. Juror No. 6223s husband had been arrested at the football game during which he got into a fight. The fight was with a peace officer. When the trial court inquired whether she felt her husband was treated fairly, she hesitated. The trial court had also inquired about her hesitation when she was asked if she felt her husband was treated fairly. Juror No. 6223 had responded that the police officer should have identified himself as an off-duty police officer. The prosecutor stated, "And the facial expression that she had led me to believe that she was hesitating because she didnt believe her husband was treated fairly." The prosecutor stated, "She indicated that she thought that the police officer should have divulged [he was a police officer] or provided the information." And the prosecutor noted: "[T]he credibility of police officers, as with any witness, is always at issue in any trial when the jurors are asked to determine the truthfulness of a persons account. And, in this case, I dont want to have a juror who is in a situation where some experience such as she articulated involving her husband would in some way improperly influence her ability to evaluate the testimony of police officers. And on that basis I excused her." Here, juror No. 6223 believed her husbands prosecution was tainted by the off-duty officers failure to identify himself. The prosecutor could reasonably assume that Juror No. 6223 would be prejudiced against the prosecution and the credibility of testifying officers. This race-neutral reason was substantial evidence which supports the trial courts ruling on the fourth motion.
7. Fifth Motion
a. Overview
Mr. Higgins made a fifth motion following the prosecutors dismissal of Juror No. 7898. This was the prosecutors nineteenth peremptory challenge. The trial court found a prima facie case had been demonstrated and later denied Mr. Higginss motion. After defense counsel objected to the prosecutors exercise of the peremptory challenge as to Juror No. 7898, the trial court found a prima facie case had been demonstrated. The prosecutor then explained her reasoning in dismissing Juror No. 7898. The trial court denied the motion, noting only, "Court finds it is neutral."
b. Juror No. 7898
Juror No. 7898 was an African-American single mother who lived in Compton. She worked as a wage garnishment representative for Automatic Data Processing. She had no experience as a juror. Juror No. 7898 had friends and neighbors who had been arrested for possession of narcotics for sale and for marijuana on more than one occasion. Two of her friends were in jail at the time of this trial. Juror No. 7898 said that would not cause a problem for her to be fair in this case. Juror No. 7898 said that she had held one of her friends guns and looked at it. When asked if she had any history of gangs, Juror No. 7898 responded: "Yeah. Friends. Friends, classmates. I live in the city of Compton, so I know a lot of them." Thereafter, Juror No. 7898 named several gangs including the local gang to which the defendants belonged. Juror No. 7898 said that her knowledge of gangs would not cause a problem in being fair in this case. Juror No. 7898 denied being a gang member.
The prosecutor explained that when Juror No. 7898 was seated in the jury box that morning, Mr. Jackson nudged Mr. Johnson. Mr. Jackson then pointed toward Juror No. 7898. In addition, Juror No. 7898 had indicated that she had several friends who were neighbors who were involved in gangs. Juror No. 7898 also reported that she had held a friends gun. Juror No. 7898s familiarity with the gangs in her area and her possible affiliation with the defendants were race-neutral reasons for excusing her. As a result, substantial evidence supports the trial courts ruling on the fifth motion.
8. Comparative analysis
a. controlling authority
Defendants argue that a comparative analysis of the prospective jurors for whom the prosecutor exercised peremptory challenges with those that remained on the jury suggests "purposeful discrimination" against prospective African-American jurors. In the case of Miller-El v. Dretke (2005) 545 U.S. 231, 236, the United States Supreme Court held that an appellate court should determine whether the reasons given for the prosecutions exercise of peremptory challenges were equally applied to other jurors. (See also People v. Lenix, supra, 44 Cal.4th at p. 613; People v. Gray (2005) 37 Cal.4th 168, 188-189.)
In People v. Lenix, supra, 44 Cal.4th at page 622, our Supreme Court held: "Miller-ElII, supra, 545 U.S. 231, and Snyder [v. Louisiana, supra, 552 U.S. 472] demonstrate that comparative juror analysis is but one form of circumstantial evidence that is relevant, but not necessarily dispositive, on the issue of intentional discrimination. These cases stand for the proposition that, as to claims of error at Wheeler/Batsons third stage, our former practice of declining to engage in comparative juror analysis for the first time on appeal unduly restricts review based on the entire record. As the high court noted in Snyder, In Miller-El v. Dretke, the Court made it clear that in considering a Batson objection, or in reviewing a ruling claimed to be Batson error, all of the circumstances that bear upon the issue of racial animosity must be consulted. (Snyder, at p. [477], italics added.) Thus, evidence of comparative juror analysis must be considered in the trial court and even for the first time on appeal if relied upon by the defendant and the record is adequate to permit the urged comparisons. [¶] Nevertheless, like the Snyder court, we are mindful that comparative juror analysis on a cold appellate record has inherent limitations. (See Snyder, supra, 552 U.S. at [pp. 483-484].) Experienced trial lawyers recognize what has been borne out by common experience over the centuries. There is more to human communication than mere linguistic content. On appellate review, a voir dire answer sits on a page of transcript. In the trial court, however, advocates and trial judges watch and listen as the answer is delivered. Myriad subtle nuances may shape it, including attitude, attention, interest, body language, facial expression and eye contact. Even an inflection in the voice can make a difference in the meaning. The sentence, "She never said she missed him," is susceptible of six different meanings, depending on which word is emphasized. [Citation.] [T]he manner of the juror while testifying is oftentimes more indicative of the real character of his opinion than his words. That is seen below, but cannot always be spread upon the record. (Reynolds v. United States (1878) 98 U.S. 145, 156-157.)" (Footnote omitted; see also People v. Mills, supra, 48 Cal.4th at p. 177.) In Miller-El v. Dretke, supra 545 U.S. at pages 240-241, the Supreme Court had the benefit of knowing the ethnicity of the jury venire as well as those jurors ultimately selected to serve on the jury. The Supreme Court had the jurors pre-trial questionnaires for purposes of comparison. As noted, we have no evidence as to the number of African-American jurors who actually deliberated and returned the verdicts. Nor do we have any evidence as to mixed-race jurors.
b. Contacts with law enforcement
Defendants seek to compare the prosecutors use of peremptory challenges to excuse Juror Nos. 3348, 8871, 0342 and 6223 as a result of family contacts with law enforcement with her acceptance of Juror Nos. 0541, 4257, 8970 and 1903, who allegedly had similar life experiences.
As previously discussed, Juror No. 3348 was excused because her brother was incarcerated. The prosecutor believed that Juror No. 3348 might be "disinclined to be a fair juror" for the prosecution. In addition, the prosecutor noted Juror No. 3348 was very quiet during voir dire. This additional factor could reasonably lead the prosecutor to believe that Juror No. 3348 was hesitant to discuss issues or any number of other factors might influence the verdict. Juror No. 8871 was challenged because she reported she had a nephew who was arrested and prosecuted in the Compton courthouse two years earlier and was again in custody. While that may have been significant, she also stated that her father had been killed by a hit-and-run driver some 15 years earlier and no one had been prosecuted. These factors caused the prosecutor concern.
Juror No. 0342 was excused because her former boyfriend had been in jail, on parole and was incarcerated the time of trial. The boyfriend was the father of Juror No. 0342s child. In addition, Juror No. 0342 was excused because: she had been robbed at gunpoint 20 years earlier; a friend had been stabbed 15 times and nearly decapitated; and a friends two sons were murdered as a result of gang violence in Compton. When confronted by the trial court about whether the fathers extensive record would cause her a problem, at first she was unsure. Juror No. 6223 was excused because her husband had been arrested by an off-duty police officer. The arrest occurred in the physical presence of Juror No. 6223. Moreover, Juror No. 6223 hesitated when asked if her spouse was treated well by the criminal justice system. The prosecutor believed this might cause Juror No. 6223 to be biased against the detectives testimony in this case.
In contrast, Juror No. 0541 reported her brother had stolen items from her parents, brothers, and sisters as a result of his drug problem 10 years earlier. Since that time, her brother was doing well, was working and caring for her father. Juror No. 4257 indicated he had "a couple" cousins who had been in jail in Mexico 17 years earlier. He stated he had no problem as a result of that. Juror No 8970 reported that her husbands cousin was in jail for assault and murder. Juror No. 8970 said she did not know how long he had been in custody, but learned from the newspaper, "[T]heyre keeping them in." She did not feel anything about that situation would cause her to be improperly influenced. Finally, Juror No. 1903 stated her cousin and a brother were incarcerated for drugs and alcohol. Juror No. 1903 indicated nothing about their circumstances would cause him to be improperly influenced.
As our Supreme Court noted in People v. Lenix, supra, 44 Cal.4th at page 631: "While an advocate may be concerned about a particular answer, another answer may provide a reason to have greater confidence in the overall thinking and experience of the panelist. Advocates do not evaluate panelists based on a single answer. Likewise, reviewing courts should not do so." (See also People v. Gray, supra, 37 Cal.4th at p. 190-191 [the prosecutor may have preferred not to strike the other jurors for other positive reasons that suggested they would be a favorable juror for the prosecution].) As noted, the jurors who were excused for law enforcement related concerns also had other factors that were viewed as problematic to the prosecutor. These concerns could reasonably cause the prosecutor to distinguish between the two sets of jurors in question. (See People v. Mills, supra, 48 Cal.4th at p. 178.) Moreover, on the cold record before us, we do not have the ability to evaluate the prosecutors and panelists demeanor. Nor do we have the trial courts "ability to assess the plausibility of the prosecutors proffered reasons" for excusing the prospective jurors at issue. (People v. Lenix, supra, 44 Cal.4th at p. 625, quoting Miller-El v. Dretke, supra, 545 U.S. at p. 252; see Snyder v. Louisiana, supra, 552 U.S. at p 477.)
To sum up, Juror Nos. 0541, 4257, and 1903 all expressed confidence without hesitation in their abilities to impartially decide the case. When confronted by the trial court with whether she could be fair in part due to her boyfriends extensive record of criminality and incarceration, at first, Juror No. 0342 hesitated. Consistent with its constitutional obligation, the trial court could reasonably find the two sets of jurors were not "otherwise similar" as that term is used in Miller-El v. Dretke, supra, 545 U.S. at page 241 or "not really comparable" as discussed in Snyder v. Louisiana, supra, 552 U.S. at page 483. (Cook v. Lamarque (9th Cir. 2010) 593 F.3d 810, 817; People v. Hardy (N.Y.App. 2009) 877 N.Y.S.2d 329, 330 ["[T]here was no disparate treatment of comparable panelists"].)
c. Gang associations
Defendants argue that the prosecutors dismissal of Juror Nos. 2037 and 7898 because of their gang associations should be compared to Juror No. 9893, who was not African-American and had an ex-girlfriend whose brother was a member of a Latino gang. Mr. Jackson and Mr. Jones also indicate Juror No. 8320 "who is apparently not Black" stated that she had a former boyfriend who was a gang member. Defendants argue that Juror No. 8320 remained on the jury. (Ms. Cox references Juror No. 7879. However the record references she notes actually relate to the dismissal of Juror No. 7898 based upon her friendship with neighbors who were involved in gangs.) In fact, as Mr. Jones concedes, the superior court file reflects that Juror No. 8320 was not on the final jury panel.
Again, there were additional reasons for the exercise of peremptory challenges that differed from the case of Juror No. 9893. When asked if he was a member of a gang, Juror No. 2037 evasively responded, "Not necessarily." In addition, the prosecutor said the fact that Juror No. 2037s ex-wife was taking the bar exam was a matter of concern. When asked if she had any history of gangs, Juror No. 7898 responded: "Yeah. Friends. Friends, classmates. I live in the city of Compton, so I know a lot of them."
Juror No. 7898 named the gangs with which she was familiar, including the local gang. She had also held and examined a friends gun. Unlike the jurors who were allowed to remain on the jury, Juror No. 7898s familiarity with the gangs was current and could easily have included defendants. This is in contrast to Juror No. 9893 whose exgirlfriends brother was a gang member. In any event, the subtle nuances of the prospective jurors and the prosecutors demeanor apparent to the trial court are not before us. Because there were other distinguishing reasons for the prosecutors excusals, the defendants comparative juror analysis does not further their discrimination claims.
d. Other comparisons
Mr. Jackson and Ms. Cox argue that Juror Nos. 6300 and 3348 were excused for being soft-spoken and very quiet while Juror No. 0758 was "repeatedly prompted" to speak more loudly. When Juror No. 0758 responded to the first of the standard questions posed, she was asked to speak up by the trial court and counsel. Thereafter, she responded to several additional questions without difficulty. When the trial court later quizzed the jurors regarding their responsibilities, Juror No. 0758 readily volunteered correct answers. This demonstrated she had paid attention to the judges preliminary instructions and would serve as a thoughtful juror. Juror No. 0758 readily indicated she would state her opinion during deliberations and could vote guilty for one defendant while voting not guilty for another. On the other hand, Juror No. 6300 indicated he did not want to talk, did not want to interact with other jurors during deliberation and would refuse to discuss his opinion with them. Juror No. 3348 answered the basic questions with short phrases. Even when she explained that her father was in prison, her answer was very brief. As discussed earlier, the fact that Juror No. 3348s relative was incarcerated when coupled with her apparent reluctance to speak up constituted a raceneutral reason for the exercise of the peremptory challenge. By contrast, Juror No. 0758 was willing to express herself.
Mr. Jackson challenges the decision to excuse Judge Veals brother. As noted, Juror No. 6469 did not speak to Judge Veals on some issues because they had differences of opinion. Mr. Jackson compares the decision to excuse Juror No. 8320, a "non-Black" woman who worked as a legal assistant. Juror No. 8320 had worked as a legal assistant in entertainment and corporate law firms. At the time of trial in this case, she was working in engineering and made transcriptions of in-house investigations for the California Highway Patrol on a part-time basis. There is no evidence Juror No. 8320 had ever worked in the criminal law field. Mr. Jackson also argues the prosecutor failure to challenge a "non-Black" male, Juror No. 5207, who had two cousins who were lawyers. Juror No. 5207 stated one cousin was a patent attorney but was uncertain about the practice area of the other. Juror No. 5207 did not think either practiced criminal law. Neither of these jurors answers suggested they would in any way be prejudiced. On the other hand, Juror No. 6469 did not speak with Judge Veals, a former prosecutor, because they had differences of opinion. This led the deputy district attorney to believe that Juror No. 6469 might be prejudiced against prosecutors since she knew Judge Veals had previously been one. In addition, Juror No. 6469 was a psychiatric social worker. These factors clearly distinguish him from the two jurors who ultimately served.
Ms. Cox argues that the prosecutors dismissal of Juror No. 6469, a psychiatric social worker who might be sympathetic to young people, was inconsistent with the acceptance of Juror Nos. 2159, a full-time musician, and 8970, a principal assistant for the Los Angeles County Board of Education. However, as explained previously, when the other dismissal factors are coupled with Juror No. 6469s employment, they involve much more persuasive reasons for a race-neutral peremptory challenge. Neither Juror Nos. 2159 and 8470 had differences of opinion with a former prosecutor who later became a judge.
Mr. Jackson argues that the prosecutors reasons for dismissing Juror No. 7898 were insincere when compared to others who had experience with guns, including Juror Nos. 3599, 9893, 4257 and 8970 who remained on the jury. Juror No. 3599 stated that she and her husband owned several guns, which they kept in a gun safe. Her husband collected guns and sometimes hunted and went to a range. Juror No. 9893 had gone to a shooting range for target practice "a couple times" but did not own any guns. Juror No. 4257 had used guns while in Mexico "a long time ago" to shoot birds, as well as for hunting and target practice. Juror No. 4257 had never owned a gun. Juror No. 8970 was married to a person who had served in the military. He taught her and their children how to shoot. Her husband still had guns, but they were in a safe. Juror No. 7898 reported that she had held and looked at a friends gun. However, Juror No. 7898, knew "a lot of gang members"; knew about defendants gang; and was acknowledged during jury selection by Mr. Jackson who nudged Mr. Johnson. Juror Nos. 3559, 9893, 4257 and 8970 did not have what the prosecutor reasonably would have viewed were Juror No. 7898s unusually extensive gang associations. Juror No. 7898 was not "otherwisesimilar" to the other jurors. (Miller-El v. Dretke, supra, 545 U.S. at p. 241, Cook v. Lamarque, supra, 593 F.3d at p. 817.)
9. The trial court complied with its prong three obligations
Defendants argue that the trial court failed to determine whether the prosecutors proffered justifications for the peremptory challenges of nine African-American jurors were so persuasive as to rebut the prima facie case of purposeful discrimination as required by the third prong of the Batson analysis. Defendants argue that the trial court merely acceded to the prosecutors explanations given for her peremptory challenges in response to each of the five motions. We disagree.
The record demonstrates that over the six-day selection process, the trial court not only found a prima facie case as to each motion and thereafter heard the prosecutors explanations for her peremptory challenges, but also assessed the "plausibility of the reasons" in light of all the pertinent evidence. (Miller-El v. Dretke, supra, 545 U.S. at p. 252; People v. Hamilton (2009) 45 Cal.4th 863, 907.) Following the first defense motion, the trial court explained that both the prosecutor and defense attorneys may dismiss prospective jurors for any race-neutral reason. The trial court further noted, "The issue is if the court believes they were excused for something other than race, it basically does not violate Wheeler [Batson] Johnson." (Italics added.) The trial court continued: "In this case, whether anyone agrees with it or not, the reasons are race neutral. Based on that, the court will deny the motion." The trial court noted that it was keeping its own record of the race and ethnicity of each prospective juror that was excused, explaining, "I think it makes you a better judge, and you basically have a handle on jurors and a Wheeler [Batson] Johnson motion." This demonstrates that the trial court was paying close attention to not only those jurors subject to prosecutorial peremptory challenges but the proceedings as they related to those excused. The trial court further explained that, in the past, it had granted motions to discharge the jury panel when the peremptory challenges were based on race.
Following the second motion, the trial court further explained: "Now, I cant psychoanalyze any lawyer as to the basis why they kick anybody. And that the--if the issue presented suggested that this is race neutral, then the court has to basically make a determination based upon it, unless there is some other factors that suggest that that person is basically excusing people based upon racial matters. But I have not heard anything yet that has suggested that. So unless and until I do, it is basically--I cant make a finding based upon the fact that people are excused because of that. If that happens, court will make a determination." (Italics added.) Again, the trial court understood its duty to consider the plausibility of the reasons given by the prosecutor in light of all the evidence it has observed.
Following the fourth motion, the trial court reiterated that it could not be a "mind reader" regarding the peremptory challenges of specific jurors. The trial court explained: "Only the court--and the law has provided these motions, I hear these motions, entertain them. I think there is good cause, I grant them. If not, I will deny them." Inherent in that analysis is the trial courts understanding that it need evaluate the peremptory challenges based upon its observations of the proceedings and grant the motion if there is an apparent race-related exercise of juror excusals. The trial courts reasoning following each motion not only supports the fact that it understood its obligation under the Batson third prong but also that it exercised its judgment in compliance with that part of the analysis. Moreover, the trial court unquestionably weighed the credibility of the prospective jurors and the prosecutor in denying the motions. This occurred after it considered the explanations given by the prosecutor as well as the voir dire of the prospective jurors. Deference to the trial courts findings is appropriate ""when the trial court had made a sincere and reasoned effort to evaluate the nondiscriminatory justifications offered"" by the prosecutor. (People v. Mills, supra, 48 Cal.4th at p. 175, quoting People v. Lenix, supra, 44 Cal.4th at p. 614; see also People v. Hamilton, supra, 45 Cal.4th at pp. 907-908; Thaler v. Haynes, supra, 559 U.S. at p.__ [where the reason for a peremptory challenge involves a jurors demeanor, the trial courts first hand observations are significant]; People v. Watson, supra, 43 Cal.4th at p. 670-671 [great deference is given to the trial courts ability to distinguish bona fide reasons from sham excuses]; People v. Bonilla, supra, 41 Cal.4th at p. 341.) There is no merit to defendants argument that the trial court failed to engage in a sincere and reasoned evaluation of the prosecutors stated reasons for exercising peremptory challenges.
At oral argument, defendants focused on the trial courts statements that it was not a "mind reader" nor willing to engage in a "psychoanalysis" as evidence it was not conducting a sincere and reasoned effort to evaluate the nondiscriminatory justifications provided by the deputy district attorney. This argument takes the trial courts conduct and analysis out of context. As previously explained in detail, the trial court saw its obligation as applying the Wheeler, Batson and Johnson rules. When a judge engages in Batson analysis, she or he is not engaging in psychoanalysis nor mind reading. Rather, the judge is enforcing the Constitution. The trial court reviewed the neutral nonracial reasons given by the deputy district attorney and explicitly stated it was applying Batson. As a result, the trial courts implied assessment of the deputy district attorneys demeanor which is supported by the evidence-based rationality of her stated reasons, leads us to conclude there is no merit to defendants argument that the trial court did not engage in a sincere and reasoned effort to assess the nondiscriminatory justifications provided by her.
[Parts III (B)-(F) are deleted from publication. See post at page 56 where publication is to resume.]
B. Accomplice Instructions
1. Factual and procedural background
Defendants argue that the trial court improperly failed to instruct the jury sua sponte with CALCRIM No. 334 regarding accomplice testimony. During the discussions between the trial court and counsel regarding jury instructions, the prosecutor indicated that CALCRIM No. 334 had been withdrawn as inapplicable. Ms. Trotter, counsel for Mr. Jackson, stated she wanted this instruction to be given. The trial court responded, "What you[]re doing is basically kind of emphasizing of [Shelnesha] Cox and Miss Larkins testimony." Counsel for Ms. Cox, Mr. Brown, stated: "I will argue against it. For me to argue time and place and, therefore, youre not to believe them because theyre an accomplice is the only reason a defense lawyer wants this. I dont want the jury to find them as accomplices. I dont. I know they certainly dont want it. Theyre arguing their guys didnt do anything. It simply doesnt apply. When you go down through the last page, theyre not accomplices." Ms. Trotter then indicated she had not reviewed the CALCRIM accomplice instructions and needed to give it more thought. The trial court responded, "I really think its prejudicial for your client." In subsequent jury instruction discussions, Ms. Trotter indicated that she had not had time to do further research regarding CALCRIM No. 334. Ms. Trotter added, "I will submit on that." The other defense counsel made no further comments regarding CALCRIM No. 334. Thereafter, the trial court inquired if counsel was ready for the jury instructions. No one objected. The trial court proceeded to read the instructions to the jury. Ms. Coxs stated tactical reason for her objection and submission on the trial courts decision not to give CALCRIM No. 334 precludes her from raising the accomplice instructions issue on appeal. (People v. Bolin (1998) 18 Cal.4th 297, 326; People v. Jennings (1991) 53 Cal.3d 334, 374; see also People v. Stone (2008) 160 Cal.App.4th 323, 331.) The same is true for Mr. Jacksons failure to renew his request and his presumed submission. By his silence, Mr. Jones likewise presumably submitted on the trial courts decision.
CALCRIM No. 334, if applied to this case, would state in part: "Before you may consider the testimony of [Ms. Larkin and Shelnesha] as evidence against the defendants regarding the crime of murder, you must decide whether [Ms. Larkin and Shelnesha] were accomplices.... A person is an accomplice if... she is subject to prosecution for the identical crime charged against the defendants. Someone is subject to prosecution if... she personally committed the crime or if: [¶] 1.... [S]he knew of the criminal purpose of the person who committed the crime; [¶] AND [¶] 2.... [S]he intended to, and did in fact, aid, facilitate, promote, encourage, or instigate the commission of the crime. [¶] The burden is on the defendant to prove that it is more likely than not that [Ms. Larkin and Shelnesha] were accomplices. [¶] An accomplice does not need to be present when the crime is committed. On the other hand a person is not an accomplice just because... she is present at the scene of a crime, even if... she knows that a crime will be committed or is being committed and does nothing to stop it. [¶]... [¶] A person may be an accomplice even if he or she is not actually prosecuted for the crime.[¶] If you decide that a witness was not an accomplice, then supporting evidence is not required and you should evaluate... her testimony as you would that of any other witness. [¶] If you decide that a witness was an accomplice, then you may not convict the defendants of murder based on... her testimony alone. You may use the testimony of an accomplice to convict the defendant only if: [¶] 1. The accomplices testimony is supported by other evidence that you believe; [¶] 2. That supporting evidence is independent of the accomplices testimony. [¶] AND [¶] 3. That supporting evidence tends to connect the defendant to the commission of the crime. [¶] Supporting evidence, however, may be slight. It does not need to be enough, by itself, to prove that the defendant is guilty of the charged crime, and it does not need to support every fact about which the accomplice testified. On the other hand, it is not enough if the supporting evidence merely shows that a crime was committed or the circumstances of its commission. The supporting evidence must tend to connect the defendant to the commission of the crime. [¶] The evidence needed to support the testimony of one accomplice cannot be provided by the testimony of another accomplice. [¶] Any testimony of an accomplice that tends to incriminate the defendant should be viewed with caution. You may not, however, arbitrarily disregard it. You should give that testimony the weight you think it deserves after examining it with care and caution and in the light of all the other evidence."
2. The trial court properly refused to give accomplice instructions
Notwithstanding defendants forfeiture, no error occurred. Section 1111 provides in pertinent part, "An accomplice is hereby defined as one who is liable to prosecution for the identical offense charged against the defendant on trial in the cause in which the testimony of the accomplice is given." (Italics added; see People v. Lewis (2001) 26 Cal.4th 334, 368-369; People v. Arias (1996) 13 Cal.4th 92, 142-143; People v. Sully (1991) 53 Cal.3d 1195, 1227; People v. Felton (2004) 122 Cal.App.4th 260, 268.) Our Supreme Court has held, "[W]hen there is sufficient evidence that a witness is an accomplice, the trial court is required on its own motion to instruct the jury on principles governing the law of accomplices, including the need for corroboration." (People v. Tobias (2001) 25 Cal.4th 327, 331, citing People v. Frye (1998) 18 Cal.4th 894, 965-966, overruled on a different point in People v. Doolin, supra, 45 Cal.4th at p. 421, fn. 22.) Also, our Supreme Court has stated, "[A] court can decide as a matter of law whether a witness is or is not an accomplice only when the facts regarding the witnesss criminal culpability are clear and undisputed." (People v. Williams (1997) 16 Cal.4th 635, 679; People v. Rodriguez (1986) 42 Cal.3d 730, 759; accord, People v. Fauber (1992) 2 Cal.4th 792, 834.) However, the trial court need not instruct the jury pursuant to CALCRIM No. 334 where the evidence is insufficient as a matter of law to support a finding that the witness was an accomplice. (People v. Lewis, supra, 26 Cal.4th at p. 369; People v. Horton (1995) 11 Cal.4th 1068, 1114 [a mere accessory is not an accomplice].) The defendant has the burden of proof that a witness is an accomplice. (People v. Frye, supra, 18 Cal.4th at pp. 967-969; People v. Fauber, supra, 2 Cal.4th at pp. 833-834; People v. Sully, supra, 53 Cal.3d at p. 1228.)
In this case, neither Shelnesha nor Ms. Larkin were accomplices to the murder. Neither Shelnesha nor Ms. Larkin were members of the local gang although they did "hang out" with defendants. Shelnesha, Ms. Larkin and Ms. Cox were cousins. Ms. Larkin was dating Mr. Jones. Shelnesha believed that they would be just driving around when they got into the Navigator driven by Ms. Cox. No one said they were going to shoot someone. Someone suggested they drive past Centennial high school. Both were present in the Navigator when Ms. Cox decided to drive to Mr. Bernals home. Shelnesha knew that Mr. Bernal had gone to school with Ms. Cox. Shelnesha knew that Mr. Bernal had chased Ms. Cox home from school. Neither Shelnesha nor Ms. Larkin participated in the discussions of Ms. Cox, Mr. Jones, Mr. Johnson and Mr. Jackson involving what was to happen when they saw Mr. Bernal in his front yard. When Mr. Johnson and Mr. Jones said, "We gonna milk blood," Ms. Larkin and Shelnesha were silent. Neither Ms. Larkin nor Shelnesha participated in the crime by encouraging Mr. Jackson or opening the door for him when he returned to the Navigator. Both Shelnesha and Ms. Larkin were afraid after the shooting occurred. Both left the company of the other gang members immediately after they arrived back at the Douglas apartments. Shelnesha was not granted immunity to testify. Moreover, although she was initially charged with the murder of Mr. Bernal, those charges were dismissed. Ms. Larkin was granted immunity from prosecution in exchange for her testimony.
Mr. Jacksons argument that neither Shelnesha nor Ms. Larkin told anyone not to "milk blood" or try to "interrupt the events as they unfolded" is meritless. Merely being present at the scene of a crime is insufficient to constitute criminal conduct: "Mere presence at the scene of the crime and failure to take steps to prevent the crime do not establish aiding and abetting liability. [Citation.] To establish criminal liability on an aiding and abetting theory, the defendant must have act[ed] with knowledge of the criminal purpose of the perpetrator and with an intent or purpose either of committing, or of encouraging or facilitating commission of, the offense. [Citation.]" (People v. Verlinde (2002) 100 Cal.App.4th 1146, 1161, quoting People v. Beeman (1984) 35 Cal.3d 547, 560; Pinell v. Superior Court (1965) 232 Cal.App.2d 284, 287.) A witness who does nothing to assist in a crime but remains passive during its commission is not an accomplice. (People v. Hamlin (2009) 170 Cal.App.4th 1412, 1459; People v. Olds (1957) 154 Cal.App.2d 78, 82.) In fact, CALCRIM No. 334 includes the following: "On the other hand, a person is not an accomplice just because he or she is present at the scene of a crime, even if he or she knows that a crime will be committed or is being committed and does nothing to stop it." There was insufficient evidence that Shelnesha and Ms. Larkin were accomplices and the trial court properly refused to give accomplice instructions.
3. Any error in failing to give accomplice instructions was harmless
Even assuming the trial court should have instructed the jury regarding accomplice testimony, any such error was harmless because the record contained sufficient corroborating evidence. (People v. Lewis, supra, 26 Cal.4th at p. 370; People v. Hayes (1999) 21 Cal.4th 1211, 1271; People v. Verlinde, supra, 100 Cal.App.4th at p. 1163.) The testimony of Shelnesha and Ms. Larkin was corroborated by numerous witnesses. Detective Rodriguez testified regarding the local and rival gang membership and ongoing war between the two gangs. The fact that the Navigator was used in the murders commission was corroborated by Mr. Aguilar and Mr. Lizaola. Both saw the green Navigator park at the corner beyond Mr. Bernals house. Mr. Lizaola indicated a woman was driving. Mr. Aguilar saw Mr. Jackson run toward the gate, reach over and shoot Mr. Bernal and then run back to the Navigator. Mr. Aguilar saw an African-American male open the door of the Navigator and let Mr. Jackson inside. Mr. Aguilar watched the Navigator drive away after Mr. Jackson got inside. Mr. Aguilar had seen a woman driving the Navigator in the neighborhood before the day of the shooting and went with police to the various locations he had seen the truck in the past. Ms. Johnson admitted loaning the green Navigator to Ms. Cox. This occurred when Ms. Cox cared for Ms. Johnsons children. Our Supreme Court has held: "Corroborating evidence may be slight, may be entirely circumstantial, and need not be sufficient to establish every element of the charged offense. [Citations.] [Citation.] The evidence is sufficient if it tends to connect the defendant with the crime in such a way as to satisfy the jury that the accomplice is telling the truth. [Citation.]" (People v. Lewis, supra, 26 Cal.4th at p. 370, quoting People v. Hayes, supra, 21 Cal.4th at p. 1271, and People v. Fauber, supra, 2 Cal.4th at p. 834.) Contrary to Mr. Jacksons argument that his federal constitutional rights were violated by the failure to instruct on the law of accomplices, our Supreme Court has held: "No cases have held failure to instruct on the law of accomplices to be reversible error per se. [Citation.]" (People v. Lewis, supra, 26 Cal.4th at p. 371, quoting People v. Gordon (1973) 10 Cal.3d 460, 470, overruled on another point in People v. Ward (2005) 36 Cal.4th 186, 212.) No federal constitutional violation has occurred.
C. Mr. Joness Acquittal Motion
1. Factual and procedural background
Mr. Jones argues that the trial court improperly denied his section 1118.1 judgment of acquittal motion. Mr. Jones premises his argument on the fact that Ms. Larkin and Shelnesha were accomplices as a matter of law. Because, as set forth above, we have determined they were not accomplices as a matter of law, we will address Mr. Joness argument only on the merits of the 1118.1 motion. After the prosecution rested, Mr. Joness counsel moved for entry of a judgment of acquittal pursuant to section 1118.1. Mr. Jones argued there was "no solid evidence" to support a conviction in his case. In denying the judgment of acquittal motion, the trial court determined that there was sufficient evidence to allow the jury to determine Mr. Joness guilt or innocence.
Section 1118.1 provides in pertinent part, "In a case tried before a jury, the court on motion of the defendant or on its own motion, at the close of evidence on either side and before the case is submitted to the jury for decision, shall order the entry of a judgment of acquittal of one or more of the offenses charged in the accusatory pleading if the evidence then before the court is insufficient to sustain a conviction of such offense or offenses on appeal...."
2. Substantial evidence supported the denial of the judgment of acquittal motion
We utilize the substantial evidence test to determine whether the prosecution has introduced sufficient evidence to meet its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. (Jackson v. Virginia, supra, 443 U.S. at pp. 318-319; People v. Osband, supra, 13 Cal.4th at p. 690; Taylor v. Stainer, supra, 31 F.3d at pp. 908-909.) Our Supreme Court has held, "The substantial evidence test applies both when an appellate court is reviewing on appeal the sufficiency of the evidence to support a conviction and when a trial court is deciding the same issue in the context of a motion for acquittal under Penal Code section 1118.1 at the close of evidence." (People v. Cuevas (1995) 12 Cal.4th 252, 261; see also People v. Cole (2004) 33 Cal.4th 1158, 1212-1213; People v. Crittenden (1994) 9 Cal.4th 83, 139, fn. 13 [evidence includes all reasonable inferences that may be drawn]; People v. Trevino (1985) 39 Cal.3d 667, 695, overruled on another ground in People v. Johnson (1989) 47 Cal.3d 1194, 1221.) The Supreme Court further held: "A trial court should deny a motion for acquittal under section 1118.1 when there is any substantial evidence, including all reasonable inferences to be drawn from the evidence, of the existence of each element of the offense charged. [Citations.]" (People v. Mendoza (2000) 24 Cal.4th 130, 175; People v. Mincey (1992) 2 Cal.4th 408, 432, fn. 2; People v. Ainsworth (1988) 45 Cal.3d 984, 1022.) We review the trial courts section 1118.1 ruling independently. (People v. Cole, supra, 33 Cal.4th at p. 1213; People v. Trevino, supra, 39 Cal.3d at p. 695.)
Section 31 provides in pertinent part, "All persons concerned in the commission of a crime, whether it be felony or misdemeanor, and whether they directly commit the act constituting the offense, or aid and abet in its commission... are principals in any crime so committed." Our Supreme Court has discussed the mental state necessary for aider and abettor liability: "To prove that a defendant is an accomplice... the prosecution must show that the defendant acted with knowledge of the criminal purpose of the perpetrator and with an intent or purpose either of committing, or of encouraging or facilitating commission of, the offense. [Citation.] When the offense charged is a specific intent crime, the accomplice must share the specific intent of the perpetrator; this occurs when the accomplice knows the full extent of the perpetrators criminal purpose and gives aid or encouragement with the intent or purpose of facilitating the perpetrators commission of the crime. [Citation.] Thus, we held, an aider and abettor is a person who, acting with (1) knowledge of the unlawful purpose of the perpetrator; and (2) the intent or purpose of committing, encouraging, or facilitating the commission of the offense, (3) by act or advice aids, promotes, encourages or instigates, the commission of the crime. [Citation.]" (People v. Prettyman (1996) 14 Cal.4th 248, 259, quoting People v. Beeman, supra, 35 Cal.3d at pp. 560-561.) "[A]n aider and abettor is guilty not only of the intended crime, but also for any other offense that was a "natural and probable consequence" of the crime aided and abetted. [Citation.]" (People v. McCoy (2001) 25 Cal.4th 1111, 1117, quoting People v. Prettyman, supra, 14 Cal.4th at p. 260.) "When a person chooses to become a part of the criminal activity of another, [he] says in essence, "your acts are my acts... (People v. McCoy, supra, 25 Cal.4th at p. 1118, quoting Dressler, Reassessing the Theoretical Underpinnings of Accomplice Liability: New Solutions to an Old Problem (1985) 37 Hastings L.J. 91, 111; see also People v. Garcia (2002) 28 Cal.4th 1166, 1173 [the aider and abettor doctrine "obviates the necessity to decide who was the aider and abettor and who the direct perpetrator or to what extent each played which role"].)
In the present case, Mr. Jones, a member of the local gang, accompanied Mr. Jackson, Mr. Johnson, and Ms. Cox, all fellow gang members, to an area known to be rival gang territory. Ms. Cox and the victim, Mr. Bernal, went to school together. Mr. Bernal was a member of a rival Latino gang. Mr. Bernal was known to be involved in gang shootings. The rival gang had been involved in gang warfare since 2002 when the rival gang shot a 14-year old boy in the local gang territory. Members of the rival gang had shot both Mr. Jackson and Ms. Cox in 2002. When Ms. Cox drove past Mr. Bernals house, she said "There he go." Mr. Jackson said, "What you want me to do?" Mr. Jones and Mr. Johnson said, "We gonna milk blood." Detective Rodriguez knew the phrase "milk blood" to mean "Lets go kill somebody." Thereafter,
Mr. Jackson got out of the Navigator and snuck up to the fence near Mr. Bernals front yard. Mr. Jackson then shot Mr. Bernal in the upper back. When Mr. Jackson returned to the Navigator, he seemed happy. Ms. Cox asked, "Did you get him?" Mr. Jackson responded, "Yes." Thereafter, the Navigator drove away. Ms. Cox warned everyone not to say anything about what occurred.
Mr. Jackson shot Mr. Bernal without provocation. (People v. Thomas (1992) 2 Cal.4th 489, 518; People v. Miller (1990) 50 Cal. 3d 954, 993; People v. Francisco (1994) 22 Cal.App.4th 1180, 1191-1192.) This constituted substantial evidence that Mr. Jones was liable for Mr. Bernals murder. (People v. Montes (1999) 74 Cal.App.4th 1050, 1056; People v. Montano (1979) 96 Cal.App.3d 221, 227 [defendants liability for aiding and abetting an attempted murder does not depend on an awareness that fellow gang members had deadly weapons in their possession].) In People v. Swanson-Birabent (2003) 114 Cal.App.4th 733, 742, our colleagues in the Court of Appeal for the Sixth Appellate District held: "[A]dvance knowledge is not a prerequisite for liability as an aider and abettor. Aiding and abetting may be committed "on the spur of the moment," that is, as instantaneously as the criminal act itself. [Citation.] (People v. Nguyen (1993) 21 Cal.App.4th 518, 532.)" (See also People v. Cooper (1991) 53 Cal.3d 1158, 1161 [getaway driver with no prior knowledge of the robbery may be found liable as an aider and abettor if she or he forms the intent to aid in carrying away the loot]; People v. Montoya (1994) 7 Cal.4th 1027, 1039 [aider and abettor liability for burglary by individual who did not have knowledge of criminal purpose until after entry].) In People v. Montes, supra, 74 Cal.App.4th at page 1056, our colleagues in the Court of Appeal for the Fourth Appellate District noted: "When rival gangs clash today, verbal taunting can quickly give way to physical violence and gunfire. No one immersed in the gang culture is unaware of these realities, and we see no reason the courts should turn a blind eye to them." The Montes analysis, although arising in a slightly different context, is persuasive and pertinent. Substantial evidence supported the trial courts finding that Mr. Jones was criminally liable for Mr. Bernals murder at the time based on the record when the prosecutors case rested. (See People v. Haskett (1982) 30 Cal.3d 841, 850, fn. 1; People v. Anderson (1968) 70 Cal.2d 15, 27.)
D. Substantial Evidence Supported the Gang Enhancement Finding
Defendants argue there was insufficient evidence that the local gang was a criminal street gang within the meaning of sections 186.22 and 190.2, subdivision (a)(22). In reviewing a challenge of the sufficiency of the evidence, we apply the following standard of review: "[We] consider the evidence in a light most favorable to the judgment and presume the existence of every fact the trier could reasonably deduce from the evidence in support of the judgment. The test is whether substantial evidence supports the decision, not whether the evidence proves guilt beyond a reasonable doubt." (People v. Mincey, supra, 2 Cal.4th at p. 432, fn. omitted; People v. Wilson (2008) 44 Cal.4th 758, 806; People v. Carter (2005) 36 Cal.4th 1114, 1156; People v. Hayes (1990) 52 Cal.3d 577, 631; People v. Johnson (1980) 26 Cal.3d 557, 576.) Our sole function is to determine if any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. (Jackson v. Virginia, supra, 443 U.S. at p. 319; People v. Bolin, supra, 18 Cal.4th at p. 331; People v. Marshall (1997) 15 Cal.4th 1, 34; People v. Ochoa (1993) 6 Cal.4th 1199, 1206; People v. Barnes (1986) 42 Cal.3d 284, 303; Taylor v. Stainer, supra, 31 F.3d at pp. 908-909.) The standard of review is the same in cases where the prosecution relies primarily on circumstantial evidence. (People v. Rodriguez (1999) 20 Cal.4th 1, 11; People v. Stanley (1995) 10 Cal.4th 764, 792; People v. Bloom (1989) 48 Cal.3d 1194, 1208; People v. Bean (1988) 46 Cal.3d 919, 932.) Our Supreme Court has held, "Reversal on this ground is unwarranted unless it appears that upon no hypothesis whatever is there sufficient substantial evidence to support [the conviction]." (People v. Bolin, supra, 18 Cal.4th at p. 331, quoting People v. Redmond (1969) 71 Cal.2d 745, 755.) The same standard applies to a claim of insufficiency of the evidence to support a gang enhancement. (People v. Leon (2008) 161 Cal.App.4th 149,
161; People v. Vy (2004) 122 Cal.App.4th 1209, 1224; People v. Ortiz (1997) 57 Cal.App.4th 480, 484.)
Section 186.22 provides in part: "(b)(1) [A]ny person who is convicted of a felony committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with any criminal street gang, with the specific intent to promote, further, or assist in any criminal conduct by gang members, shall, upon conviction of that felony, in addition and consecutive to the punishment prescribed for the felony or attempted felony of which he or she has been convicted, be punished.... [¶]... [¶] (e) As used in this chapter, pattern of criminal gang activity means the commission of, attempted commission of, conspiracy to commit, or solicitation of, sustained juvenile petition for, or conviction of two or more of the following offenses, provided at least one of these offenses occurred after the effective date of this chapter and the last of those offenses occurred within three years after a prior offense, and the offenses were committed on separate occasions, or by two or more persons: [¶]... [¶] (2) Robbery.... [¶] (3) Unlawful homicide...." Citing People v. Gardeley (1996) 14 Cal.4th 605, 617, People v. Vy, supra, 122 Cal.App.4th at page 1222 holds: "[T]he criminal street gang component of a gang enhancement requires proof of three essential elements: (1) that there be an ongoing association involving three or more participants, having a common name or common identifying symbol; (2) that the group as one of its primary activities the commission of one or more specified crimes; and (3) the groups members either separately or as a group have engaged in a pattern of criminal gang activity. [Citation.]" (See also § 186.22, subd. (f); In re Alexander L. (2007) 149 Cal.App.4th 605, 610-611; People v. Ortiz, supra, 57 Cal.App.4th at pp. 483-484.)
Our Supreme Court has held: "Evidence of past or present conduct by gang members involving the commission of one or more of the statutorily enumerated crimes is relevant in determining the groups primary activities. Both past and present offenses have some tendency in reason to show the groups primary activity (see Evid. Code, § 210) and therefore fall within the general rule of admissibility (id., at § 351)...." (People v. Sengpadychith (2001) 26 Cal.4th 316, 323.) In Sengpadychith, our Supreme
Court concluded: "Sufficient proof of the gangs primary activities might consist of evidence that the groups members consistently and repeatedly have committed criminal activity listed in the gang statute [§ 186.22, subd. (e)]. Also sufficient might be expert testimony, as occurred in [People v.] Gardeley, supra, 14 Cal.4th 605...." (People v. Sengpadychith, supra, 26 Cal.4th at p. 324, original italics.) In Gardeley, a San Jose Police Department detective testified that the gang of which the defendant had been a member engaged in the sales of narcotics and witness intimidation. The detective had personally investigated "hundreds of crimes" committed by gang members. The detective gathered information from conversations with gang members as well as San Jose Police Department employees and other law enforcement agencies. (People v. Gardeley, supra, 14 Cal.4th at p. 620; see In re Alexander L., supra, 149 Cal.App.4th at p. 613.) Opinion testimony of the type presented in Gardeley may constitute evidence sufficient to support a section 186.22 finding. (People v. Sengpadychith, supra, 26 Cal.4th at p. 324; see People v. Vy, supra, 122 Cal.App.4th at pp. 1223-1224; People v. Augborne (2002) 104 Cal.App.4th 362, 372-373.)
In this case, Detective Rodriguez testified that he was familiar with the local gang and the rival Latino gangs. Detective Rodriguez testified that the local gang was engaged in a pattern of criminal activity as part of gang warfare in the area. The local gang had committed: murder; witness intimidation; gun possession; and assault weapon possession. Detective Rodriguez stated that gang warfare between the local gang and rival Latino gangs began in 2001. Then, the rival Latino gang killed a 14-year old boy in the local gang territory. Thereafter, local gang members killed a 14-year-old girl in the rival Latino gang territory. Detective Rodriguez knew Ms. Cox, Mr. Jones, Mr. Johnson, and Mr. Jackson to be members of the local gang. Ms. Cox and Mr. Jackson had each been shot by rival gang members in 2002. Detective Rodriguez testified that, in his experience investigating gang related assaults and killings, the majority of shootings by the local gang involved two to four members. In 2003, another local gang member, Mr. Bellows, was convicted of robbery. Another local gang member, Mr. Philip, was convicted of attempted murder of a police officer in 2002. Finally, Detective Rodriguez believed the murder in this case was for the benefit of the local gang. Detective Rodriguezs testimony demonstrates that the primary activities of the local gang involved the commission of crimes set forth in section 186.22, subdivision (e). Substantial evidence supported the gang enhancement finding. (See People v. Sengpadychith, supra, 26 Cal.4th at p. 323 [jury may consider past acts committed by gang members and the charged crimes in determining "primary activities"]; People v. Leon, supra, 161 Cal.App.4th at pp. 161-163; In re Alexander L., supra, 149 Cal.App.4th at p. 611 [same]; People v. Vy, supra, 122 Cal.App.4th at p. 1225 ["primary activities" prong of § 186.22, subd. (f) satisfied by evidence of two prior serious crimes committed by gang members and the current crime charged].)
E. Defense Counsel Provided Effective Assistance
Mr. Jones argues that he was denied effective assistance of counsel because no motion was pursued to suppress Ms. Larkins pretrial statements, which he claims were coerced. To the extent the argument accrues to their benefit, Mr. Jackson and Ms. Cox join. The standard of review in determining whether defendant was denied effective assistance of counsel was specified by our Supreme Court as follows: "In order to demonstrate ineffective assistance, a defendant must first show counsels performance was deficient because the representation fell below an objective standard of reasonableness under prevailing professional norms. (Strickland v. Washington (1984) 466 U.S. 668, 687-688.) Second, he must show prejudice flowing from counsels performance or lack thereof. Prejudice is shown when there is a reasonable probability that, but for counsels unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would have been different. A reasonable probability is a probability sufficient to undermine confidence in the outcome. (In re Avena (1996) 12 Cal.4th 694, 721.) (People v. Williams (1997) 16 Cal.4th 153, 215.) [¶]... ... "In order to prevail on [an ineffective assistance of counsel] claim on direct appeal, the record must affirmatively disclose the lack of a rational tactical purpose for the challenged act or omission." (People v. Ray (1996) 13
Cal.4th 313, 349.) (People v. Williams, supra, 16 Cal.4th at p. 215.)" (People v. Majors (1998) 18 Cal.4th 385, 403.) Our Supreme Court has also held: "Moreover, [i]f the record on appeal fails to show why counsel acted or failed to act in the instance asserted to be ineffective, unless counsel was asked for an explanation and failed to provide one, or unless there simply could be no satisfactory explanation, the claim must be rejected on appeal. [Citation.]" (People v. Huggins (2006) 38 Cal.4th 175, 206, quoting People v. Kraft (2000) 23 Cal.4th 978, 1068-1069; People v. Anderson (2001) 25 Cal.4th 543, 569.) Counsel need not pursue futile or meritless objections or argument. (People v. Prieto (2003) 30 Cal.4th 226, 261; People v. Ochoa (1998) 19 Cal.4th 353, 432; People v. Lewis (1990) 50 Cal.3d 262, 289.)
The exclusion of a third partys testimony on coercion grounds is only permissible when the trial testimony is coerced and would deprive a defendant a fair trial. (People v. Cunningham (2001) 25 Cal.4th 926, 1036; People v. Badgett (1995) 10 Cal.4th 330, 344.) Our Supreme Court has held: "When a defendant makes a motion to exclude coerced testimony of a third party on due process grounds, the burden of proving improper coercion is upon the defendant." (People v. Badgett, supra, 10 Cal.4th at p. 348; People v. Douglas (1990) 50 Cal.3d 468, 500; see also People v. Williams (2010) 49
Cal.App.4th 405, __.) We review the entire record to determine whether a witnesss testimony was coerced. (People v. Boyer (2006) 38 Cal.4th 412, 444; People v. Badgett, supra, 10 Cal.4th at pp.350-351.)
In this case, Ms. Larkin was arrested and charged with Mr. Bernals murder. Ms. Larkin initially denied any knowledge of the shooting. Detective Smith raised the issue of Ms. Larkins child and a belief parents ought to raise their children. Ms. Larkin was not afraid of Detective Smith. Thereafter, Detective Smith stated Ms. Larkin was in the green Navigator with Ms. Cox, Mr. Jackson, Mr. Johnson, Shelnesha, and Mr. Jones. Only then did Ms. Larkin began to reluctantly explain what occurred. Ms. Larkin felt it was the right thing to do for her family and her baby to tell the truth.
As our colleagues in Division Seven of this Appellate District held: "California courts have long recognized it is sometimes necessary to use deception to get at the truth.
Thus, the courts have held, a deception which produces a confession does not preclude admissibility of the confession unless the deception is of such a nature to produce an untrue statement." (People v. Lee (2002) 95 Cal.App.4th 772, 785, footnote omitted, quoting People v. Watkins (1970) 6 Cal.App.3d 119, 125 [falsely telling suspect his fingerprints were found on the getaway car]; see also People v. Cunningham, supra, 25 Cal.4th at p. 1036 [police officers suggestion about where decedents body was dropped by the defendant]; People v. Schweitzer (1982) 138 Cal.App.3d 204, 206-207 [threat of witnesss arrest as an accomplice if she did not cooperate in investigation not coercion].) In People v. Badgett, supra, 10 Cal.4th at page 348, our Supreme Court held: "Testimony of third parties that is offered at trial should not be subject to exclusion unless the defendant demonstrates that improper coercion has impaired the reliability of the testimony. We believe, as federal courts have stated... that a witnesss trial testimony is not necessarily unreliable simply because the witness was subject to improper pressures in making an earlier, out-of-court statement. [Citation.] Thus, it is not enough for a defendant who seeks to exclude trial testimony of a third party to allege that coercion was applied against the third party, producing an involuntary statement before trial. In order to state a claim of violation of his own due process rights, a defendant must also allege that the pretrial coercion was such that it would actually affect the reliability of the evidence to be presented at trial." (Footnote omitted; see also People v. Williams, supra, 49 Cal.4th at p.__.)
Here, Ms. Larkins pretrial statement was not coerced. Moreover, Ms. Larkins pre-trial interview took place in 2006. The trial was held in 2008. Ms. Larkin was given immunity from prosecution. Ms. Larkin was not instructed how to testify. Although she was threatened and afraid to testify, Ms. Larkin continued to testify consistently with her pretrial statement and with Shelneshas testimony. There is no evidence that Ms. Larkins trial testimony was coerced. More to the point, Mr. Jones has failed to demonstrate it is probable that had the issue been raised, the trial court would have excluded Ms. Larkins testimony on involuntariness grounds. As a result, Mr. Jones has failed to demonstrate on direct appeal he was denied effective assistance of counsel.
F. Sentencing
1. The Gang Enhancements
Mr. Jones argues and the Attorney General concedes that the trial court improperly imposed and stayed a 10-year section 186.22, subdivision (b)(1)(C) gang enhancement. In addition, Mr. Jackson and Ms. Cox (by way of joinder) argue the trial court improperly stayed rather than striking the section 186.22, subdivision (b)(1)(C) gang enhancement. The Attorney General argues the trial court improperly imposed and stayed the 10-year section 186.22, subdivision (b)(1)(C) gang enhancement as to Ms. Cox and Mr. Jackson. In addition, the Attorney General argues that because Mr. Jackson personally shot the victim, the trial court should have set Mr. Jacksons minimum parole eligibility date at 15 years pursuant to section 186.22, subdivision (b)(5). We agree.
In People v. Salas (2001) 89 Cal.App.4th 1275, 1278-1283, we held: "In a case where section 186.22 has been found to be applicable, in order for section 12022.53 to apply, it is necessary only for a principal, not the accused, in the commission of the underlying felony to personally use the firearm; personal firearm used by the accused is not required under these specific circumstances. However, as a consequence of this expanded liability under section 12022.53, subdivision (e), the Legislature has determined to preclude the imposition of an additional enhancement under section 186.22 in a gang case unless the accused personally used the firearm. In the present case, the jury never found that defendant personally used a firearm." (See also People v. Lopez (2005) 34 Cal.4th 1002, 1006-1011 [first degree murder committed for the benefit of a gang falls within the 15-year minimum parole eligibility term in section 186.22, subdivision (b)(5) rather than being subject to the section 186.22, subdivision (b)(1)(C) 10-year enhancement]; see also People v. Brookfield(2009) 47 Cal.4th 583, 590.) In this case, the 10-year section 186.22, subdivision (b)(1)(C) enhancements imposed and stayed as to Mr. Jones and Ms. Cox should have been stricken as they were subject to the section 12022.53, subdivision (e)(1) enhancement and the jury did not find either personally used a firearm. However, because Mr. Jackson was found to have personally used a firearm in the commission of the murder, his section 186.22, subdivision (b)(1)(C) enhancement is stricken and he is subject to a 15-year minimum parole eligibility pursuant to section 186.22, subdivision (b)(5).
2. The section 12022.53, subdivisions (b) and (c) enhancements
Mr. Jones argues and the Attorney General agrees that the trial court imposed the section 12022.53, subdivisions (b) and (c) enhancements then improperly stayed those enhancements pursuant to section 654, subdivision (a) rather than section 12022.53, subdivision (f). We agree. (See People v. Gonzalez (2008) 43 Cal.4th 1118, 1122, 1127-1130; People v. Ybarra (2008) 166 Cal.App.4th 1069, 1094; People v. Sinclair (2008) 166 Cal.App.4th 848, 854.)
In the case of Ms. Cox, the trial court stated, "The court will stay the enhancement 12022.53(c) and (e)(1), and 12022.53 (b) and (e), thats also stayed__" However, the abstract of judgment does not reflect the imposition and stay of those enhancements pursuant to section 12022.53, subdivision (f). The abstract ofjudgment must be corrected to reflect the imposition and stay of the section 12022.53, subdivisions (b) and (c) enhancements as to Ms. Cox.
When Mr. Jackson was sentenced the trial court stated: "The court is going [to] stay the enhancement of 12022.53(c) and (e)(1) as well as 12022.53 (b) and (e)...." The abstract ofjudgment does not reflect the imposition or stay. The abstract of judgment must be corrected to reflect the imposition and stay of the section 12022.53, subdivisions (b) and (c) enhancements as to Mr. Jackson.
3. Presentence Custody Credits
The Attorney General argues that the defendants were awarded an inadequate number of pretrial custody credits. We agree. The failure to award a proper amount of credits is a jurisdictional error, which may be raised at any time. (People v. Karaman (1992) 4 Cal.4th 335, 345-346, fn. 11, 349, fn. 15; People v. Serrato (1973) 9 Cal.3d 753, 763-765, disapproved on other grounds in People v. Fosselman (1983) 33 Cal.3d 572, 583, fn. 1.) Mr. Jones was arrested on December 6, 2006, and was sentenced on October 6, 2008. Mr. Jones, was, therefore entitled to credit for 671 days in custody. The trial court awarded him only 670 days of actual custody credits. Mr. Joness presentence credits must be increased to 671 days. Ms. Cox was arrested on December 6, 2006, and sentenced on April 11, 2008. Ms. Cox is therefore entitled to 493 actual days in custody credits. The trial court awarded only 492. Ms. Coxs presentence credits must be increased to 493 days actual custody. Mr. Jackson was arrested on April 23, 2007, and sentenced on May 2, 2008. The trial court awarded Mr. Jackson 378 days of actual custody credit and 57 days of conduct credit. Preliminarily, Mr. Jacksons actual days of presentence custody was 376. In addition, Mr. Jackson was not entitled to conduct credits because he was convicted of murder. (§ 2933.2, subdivision (c).) Mr. Jacksons presentence credits are reduced to 376 actual days. The trial court is to personally insure the abstract ofjudgment is corrected to fully comport with the modifications we have ordered. (People v. Acosta (2002) 29 Cal.4th 105, 110, fn. 2; People v. Chan (2005) 128 Cal.App.4th 408, 425-426.)
[The balance of the opinion is to be published]
IV. DISPOSITION
The judgments are modified to: reverse the Penal Code section 186.22, subdivision (b)(1)(C) enhancements imposed as to Mr. Jones, Ms. Cox and Mr. Jackson; subject Mr. Jackson to a 15-year minimum parole eligibility pursuant to section 186.22, subdivision (b)(5); impose enhancements pursuant to section 12022.53, subdivisions (b) and (c) as to all defendants and stay those enhancements pursuant to section 12022.53, subdivision (f); correct the presentence custody credits of all defendants as set forth above. Upon remittitur issuance, the superior court clerk shall prepare amended abstracts of judgment as to each defendant and forward them to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The judgments are affirmed in all other respects.
CERTIFIED FOR PARTIAL PUBLICATION
TURNER, P. J.
We concur:
ARMSTRONG, J.
KRIEGLER, J.