People v. DeHoyos

After a jury trial, Defendant was convicted of first degree murder, kidnapping for child molestation, forcible rape, sodomy, and committing a lewd and lascivious act upon a child under fourteen. Prior to sentencing, the trial court ordered a new trial based on juror misconduct. On retrial, the second jury found Defendant guilty of the same charges. The trial court imposed a sentence of death. The Supreme Court affirmed, holding (1) the trial court did not prejudicially err in its rulings during the guilt phase, sanity phase, and penalty phase of trial; (2) California's death penalty scheme and related jury instructions do not violate the United States Constitution; (3) the trial court did not prejudicially err in sentencing Defendant; and (4) the cumulative effect of the trial court's few errors did not warrant reversal. View "People v. DeHoyos" on Justia Law