Weaver v. Woodford

Filing 221

MEMORANDUM and ORDER 107 , 216 signed by District Judge Anthony W. Ishii on 9/19/2021. CASE CLOSED. (Lundstrom, T)

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

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EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
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WARD FRANCIS WEAVER, JR.,

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Case No. 1:02-cv-05583-AWI-SAB

Petitioner,

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DEATH PENALTY CASE

v.

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MEMORANDUM AND ORDER:

KEVIN CHAPPELL, Warden of San Quentin (1) DENYING CLAIMS 3-7, 10-34; (2)
State Prison,
DENYING PETITIONER’S MOTION
FOR RECORD EXPANSION AND
Respondent.1
EVIDENTIARY HEARING (3)
DENYING PETITION FOR WRIT OF
HABEAS CORPUS, and (4) ISSUING
CERTIFICATE OF APPEALABILITY
FOR CLAIMS 3, 7, 8, AND 9

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(ECF Nos. 107, 216)
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CLERK TO VACATE ANY AND ALL
SCHEDULED DATES AND
SUBSTITUTE RON BROOMFIELD AS
RESPONDENT WARDEN AND
ENTER JUDGMENT

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Petitioner Ward Francis Weaver, Jr. (hereinafter “Petitioner”) is a state prisoner,

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26 sentenced to death, proceeding with a petition for writ of habeas corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §
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Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 25(d), Ron Broomfield, Acting Warden of San Quentin State Prison, shall be
substituted as Respondent in place of his predecessor wardens.

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1 2254. He is represented in this action by attorneys Karen Schryver and Timothy Foley, each
2 appointed pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3599(a) (hereinafter “CJA”).
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Respondent Kevin Chappell is named as Warden of San Quentin State Prison. He is

4 represented in this action by Amanda Cary of the Office of the California Attorney General.
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Before the Court for a decision are (1) the amended petition for writ of habeas corpus

6 filed in this proceeding on September 1, 2009 (hereinafter the “Amended Petition”) (ECF No.
7 107), (2) Amended Petition Claims 3-7 and 10-34 including subclaims (hereinafter “Claim” or
8 “Claims”), and (3) Petitioner’s motion for expansion of the record and evidentiary hearing
9 relating to certain of the Claims (see ECF No. 216).
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Having previously denied Claims 1, 2 (ECF No. 162) and Claims 8 and 9 (ECF No. 209),

11 and upon careful review of the parties’ filings and the relevant case law and for the reasons set
12 out below, the undersigned finds that (1) Claims 3-7, 10-30, and 32-34 shall be denied with
13 prejudice and Claim 31 shall be denied without prejudice as moot, (2) Petitioner’s motion for
14 record expansion and evidentiary hearing shall be denied, (3) the Amended Petition shall be
15 denied, and (4) a Certificate of Appealability shall issue only for Claims 3, 7, 8, and 9.
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I. BACKGROUND
On August 10, 1982, the Kern County Sheriff’s Department filed a Felony Criminal

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18 Complaint in the Kern County Municipal Court, charging Petitioner with the 1981 murders of
19 Robert Radford and Barbara Levoy, the kidnapping of Levoy, and unlawful sexual intercourse,
20 sodomy, and oral copulation by force upon Levoy. (CT 131-132.)
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On August 19, 1982, attorney David Huffman was appointed to represent Petitioner.

22 (August 19, 1982 RT at 3.)
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On September 22, 1982, Petitioner was charged by Information in the Kern County

24 Superior Court with the murders of Robert Radford and Barbara Levoy with special
25 circumstances of murder during the commission of kidnap, rape, sodomy, and multiple murder,
26 and the kidnap of Levoy.2 (CT 203-205.)
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The Information was amended on June 7, 1984. (CT 987 -990.) On November 14, 1984, the court struck the

28 special circumstances based on rape and sodomy. (RT 3136-38; CT 1256.)
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On June 8, 1983, Donnalee Mendez, soon to be David Huffman’s wife Donnalee Mendez

2 Huffman, was appointed to represent Petitioner as co-counsel (hereinafter “Counsel” refers to
3 either or both Mr. and Mrs. Huffman, “Lead Counsel” refers to Mr. Huffman, and “Second
4 Counsel” refers to Mrs. Huffman). (CT 242.)
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During the arraignment hearing, on October 27, 1982, Counsel raised a doubt as to

6 Petitioner’s competence to stand trial. Counsel pointed to reports by jailers and/or prisoners that
7 Petitioner was acting abnormally and hearing voices, and to Petitioner’s appearance. (September
8 29, 1982 RT at 2-3; CT 206.) The arraignment court agreed with Counsel, and with the
9 concurrence of the parties appointed two experts to evaluate Petitioner pursuant to Penal Code
10 section 1368 (competence to stand trial) and section 1026 (sanity). (CT 207-208). The parties
11 submitted the matter of trial competence on the experts’ reports. (CT 209.) The arraignment
12 court reviewed the reports and found that Petitioner to be “presently sane” and “sane for
13 purposes of standing trial, “and proceedings were reinstated. (Id.) Thereupon, Petitioner entered
14 a plea of not guilty to all Counts and denied all allegations. (Id.) Subsequently, Petitioner
15 additionally plead not guilty by reason of insanity (hereinafter “NGI”) to all Counts. (See April
16 13, 1984 RT at 4-5; CT 639, 673, 917-20, 934, 982-89.)
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Petitioner’s trial began on September 26, 1984. (CT 1159.) The trial court denied

18 pretrial motions to exclude Petitioner’s taped confession and admissions to law enforcement.
19 (CT 1258-1259.)
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On December 19, 1984, the jury found Petitioner guilty of two Counts of murder and one

21 Count of kidnapping with special circumstances of murder during the commission of kidnap and
22 multiple murder. (CT 1355-1357, 1482-1490.)
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The sanity phase began on January 14, 1985. (CT 1497-1498.) On February 28, 1985,

24 following proceedings during which Lead Counsel largely was absent due to alleged health
25 problems, and following Petitioner’s waiver of the presence of Lead Counsel, the jury
26 deliberated 42 minutes and found Petitioner sane at the time of the crimes. (CT 1577-1578,
27 1627-1629.)
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On March 5, 1985, the penalty phase began. (CT 1630-1631.) On March 6, 1985,
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1 Petitioner testified for fifteen minutes and Second Counsel presented argument in mitigation.
2 (RT 6976-82, 7027-7039; CT 1632-1633.) On March 7, 1985, after less than one full day of
3 deliberations, the jury returned a death verdict. (RT 7064-65; CT 1636-1637, 1708-1709.)
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On April 4, 1985, the trial court entered judgment of death. (RT 7104-7111; CT 1759-

5 1763.)3
The California Supreme Court affirmed Petitioner’s conviction on direct appeal on

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7 August 20, 2001. (Lod. Doc. No. 4, People v. Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th 876 (2001), California
8 Supreme Court Number S004665.) That court denied his petition for rehearing on October 24,
9 2001. (Lod. Doc. No. 6.) Petitioner filed a petition for writ of certiorari in the United States
10 Supreme Court on January 17, 2002, which was denied on May 13, 2002. (Lod. Doc. Nos. 27,
11 29.)
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Petitioner, through appellate counsel, filed a petition for writ of habeas corpus in the

13 California Supreme Court on September 28, 1998, seeking to set aside the judgments of
14 conviction and sentence of death. (Lod. Doc. No. 7, In re Ward Francis Weaver, Jr., California
15 Supreme Court Number S073709.) On November 14, 2001, the California Supreme Court
16 denied the petition on the merits and also denied some claims as procedurally barred. (Lod. Doc.
17 No. 8.)
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On May 17, 2002, Petitioner commenced this proceeding under 28 U.S.C. § 2254 by

19 filing a combined request for appointment of counsel and temporary stay of execution. (ECF
20 Nos. 1, 2.) On May 30, 2002, Petitioner filed a separate request to proceed in forma pauperis.
21 (ECF No. 3.) The Court granted requests for appointment of counsel and in forma pauperis
22 status and denied as moot the stay of execution, on May 31, 2002. (ECF No. 4.)
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On May 5, 2003, Petitioner filed in this proceeding a petition for writ of habeas corpus

24 pursuant to 28 U.S.C § 2254. (ECF No. 32.)
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Unless otherwise indicated, throughout this order, “1SHCP” refers to the first state habeas corpus petition;
“2SHCP” refers to the second state habeas corpus petition; “CT” refers to the clerk’s transcript on appeal, “RT” to
the reporter’s transcript on appeal, “SCT” to the supplemental clerk’s transcript on appeal. Other transcripts are
referenced by date. Reference to page numbering is to: ECF page numbering for documents filed electronically in
CM/ECF, Bates numbering for CT documents and where otherwise expressly noted, and internal pagination for all
other documents. Reference to state law is to California law unless otherwise noted.
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Petitioner filed a second petition for writ of habeas corpus in the California Supreme

2 Court on May 6, 2003, again seeking to set aside the judgments of conviction and sentence of
3 death. (Lod. Doc. No. 23, In re Ward Francis Weaver, Jr., California Supreme Court Number
4 S115638.)
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On March 16, 2004, this Court held the federal proceeding in abeyance pending the

6 conclusion of state court exhaustion proceedings. (ECF No. 56.)
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On August 26, 2009, the California Supreme Court denied the second petition on the

8 merits and also denied some claims as procedurally barred. (Lod. Doc. No. 24.)
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On September 1, 2009, Petitioner filed the operative Amended Petition in these

10 proceedings. (ECF No. 107.)
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Respondent filed his answer on March 30, 2010, admitting the jurisdictional allegations,

12 asserting procedural defenses, and denying that Petitioner is entitled to federal habeas relief on
13 Claims 1 through 34. (ECF No. 116.)
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On June 2, 2010, the Court found all the Claims in the Amended Petition to be exhausted

15 (except for a subclaim of Claim 7 as to which the Warden waived exhaustion); and found the
16 Amended Petition timely filed. (ECF No. 121.)
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On March 24, 2014, the Court denied on the merits Claim 1 (alleging deprivation of trial

18 counsel due to impairment and incompetence), and Claim 2 (alleging deprivation of counsel and
19 a fair trial due to counsel’s conflicts of interest). (ECF No. 162.)
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On March 31, 2016, the Court denied on the merits Claim 8 (alleging ineffective

21 assistance of counsel at the sanity phase), and Claim 9 (alleging ineffective assistance of counsel
22 at the penalty phase). (ECF No. 209.)
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On November 10, 2016, Petitioner filed his brief in support of Claims 3-7 and 10-34.

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On May 12, 2017, Respondent filed his brief in opposition to Claims 3-4 and 10-34.

26 (ECF No. 211.)
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On September 15, 2017, Petitioner filed his brief and a supporting exhibit in reply to

28 Respondent’s opposition brief. (ECF Nos. 214 & 215, respectively.)
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On December 13, 2017, Petitioner moved for: (i) evidentiary hearing on Claims 3, 4, 6, 7,

2 11 and certain procedural default allegations relating to Claims 11, 12 and 18, and (ii) expansion
3 of the record with additional documentation relating to Claims 3, 4, 6, 7 and 11. (ECF Nos. 216,
4 217.) Respondent filed his opposition to the motion on February 13, 2018. (ECF No. 218.)
5 Petitioner filed his reply to the opposition on April 13, 2018. (ECF No. 219.)
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II. STATEMENT OF FACTS
This factual summary is taken from the California Supreme Court’s summary of the facts

8 in its August 20, 2001 opinion. People v. Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th 876 (2001). Pursuant to 28
9 U.S.C. §§ 2254(d)(2), (e)(1), the state supreme court’s summary of facts is presumed correct.
10 See Kirkpatrick v. Chappell, 950 F.3d 1118, 1131 (9th Cir. 2020), cert. denied, 141 S. Ct. 561
11 (2020) (“Unlike § 2254(d), § 2254(e)(1)’s application is not limited to claims adjudicated on the
12 merits.

Rather, it appears to apply to all factual determinations made by state courts.”).

13 Petitioner does not present clear and convincing evidence to the contrary; thus, the Court adopts
14 the factual recitations set forth by the state supreme court. Vasquez v. Kirkland, 572 F.3d 1029,
15 1031 n.1 (9th Cir. 2009) (“We rely on the state appellate court’s decision for our summary of the
16 facts of the crime.”).
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I. Guilt Phase

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A. Facts

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Robert Radford, 18 years old, was assigned to basic training for the United States
Air Force in Colorado. While there, he met 23-year-old Barbara Levoy. When
Radford completed his training, he traveled to his home in Edmonds, Washington,
and Levoy accompanied him to meet his parents. The couple then drove south to
Pinedale, California (near Fresno) to meet Radford's grandmother. The couple's
ultimate destination was Las Vegas, Nevada, where Radford would begin his first
tour of duty at Nellis Air Force Base. Levoy planned to fly home to Colorado
from Las Vegas.

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Radford and Levoy arrived in Pinedale on the afternoon of February 5, 1981, and
visited with Radford's grandmother. They left Pinedale around 7:00 p.m. the same
day, anxious to get to Las Vegas. Unfortunately, their car broke down one mile
east of Tehachapi. James Powell was coming home from work around 11:00 p.m.
and encountered Radford, his disabled car on the side of the road with its
emergency lights flashing. Powell saw a young woman in the car. He offered the
couple a ride back to Tehachapi, but Radford declined because it was in the
opposite direction from which he was traveling. Powell left.
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Our knowledge of what happened next derives from defendant's admissions to a
cellmate, Ricky Gibson, defendant's tape-recorded interviews with police, and
defendant's testimony at trial. Around 10:00 p.m., defendant, who was working as
a long-haul trucker, saw Radford's car on the side of the road as he drove by in the
opposite direction. n.1 Defendant exited the highway and circled back to offer his
assistance. Radford and Levoy accepted his offer to drive them to Mojave. After
driving about five miles, defendant pulled over and asked Radford to help him
shift the load on the flatbed of his truck. Levoy stayed in the cab. While Radford
was bent over with his back turned, defendant struck him on the back of the head
with a “cheater pipe,” a three to four-foot length of metal pipe truckers use to gain
leverage when tightening the bindings that restrain a load on the truck. A later
autopsy revealed 11 separate lacerations to Radford's head.
-FOOTNOTE-

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n.1 Asked why he stopped to help, defendant explained that he had plenty of time
because he did not have to be in San Francisco to deliver his load until 8:00 a.m.
the next morning. The way defendant expressed it, however, proved prophetic and
chilling: he said he stopped to help because “I had some time to kill.”

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-END FOOTNOTE-

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Defendant rejoined Levoy in the truck cab, displayed a knife, and had her sit with
her head between her legs and her hands behind her, a technique defendant had
learned when transporting prisoners during his military service in Vietnam.
Defendant reversed direction and drove to Bakersfield; near Kettleman City, he
stopped and raped Levoy. He then drove towards San Francisco, pulled off the
highway once more and again raped Levoy.
Meanwhile, a citizen reported having seen Radford on the side of the road where
defendant had left him. Police responded to the scene and attempted to keep
Radford alive, but he died on the way to the hospital. Police found a large amount
of blood at the crime scene. At the hospital, Radford's wallet, with his
Washington State driver's license, was found, allowing police to link Radford to
the disabled car a few miles away. The car contained a woman's purse and several
pieces of luggage. Correctly surmising that Radford had been traveling with a
woman, police forced open the car and discovered identification belonging to
Levoy. Police then issued a missing person report and organized a search effort to
find her. Their efforts came too late to save Levoy.
After he deposited his cargo in San Francisco, defendant drove towards his home
in Oroville. At a secluded spot outside that town, he stopped and asked Levoy to
get out of the truck. He tied her hands and feet with electrician's tape, but when he
attempted to gag her, Levoy struggled and bit defendant severely on the thumb.
He then strangled her. He dug a grave and buried Levoy's body there before
driving into town to meet his wife, who was working a late shift in a local
restaurant. It was suggested defendant move the body, so defendant took his
wife's car and returned to the grave, exhumed the body, put it in the trunk of the
car and drove home. When he arrived, defendant's three children were awake and
asked him about his bloody thumb. He told them he had gotten in a fight and that
they should stay in the house because his assailant might come looking for him.

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With the children in the house, defendant moved Levoy's body from the car to a
shallow grave dug in his backyard. Defendant previously had begun digging
trenches in his yard for a sewer line and had instructed his 10-year-old son and
another boy to keep working on the digging project while he was away driving his
truck. Some weeks later, defendant exhumed Levoy's body again and moved it to
a deeper grave elsewhere in his yard. He then built a wooden platform over the
grave so his wife could stand on it and hang out the laundry without getting her
feet wet in the grass.
Police were stymied in their attempt to solve Radford's murder and Levoy's
disappearance. Then, 17 months after the crimes, prison inmate Ricky Gibson
contacted authorities and reported that defendant, who was serving time in prison
for subsequent unrelated (but similar) crimes, had told him the story of how he
killed Radford and raped and killed Levoy.
Police went to defendant's home in Oroville, interviewed defendant's wife and
son, and obtained consent to search the yard. Defendant's son directed police to
the platform, which they removed and discovered Levoy's badly decomposed
body. She was identified through her dental records. In addition, the body bore the
same clothes Levoy had been wearing when she disappeared, with the exception
that her panties were missing.
An autopsy of Levoy's body yielded no clues about the cause of her death, due to
the advanced state of decomposition. Some electrician's tape, however, was found
stuck to the collar of her shirt.
Police proceeded to interview defendant at San Quentin State Prison. He agreed to
waive his Miranda rights (Miranda v. Arizona (1966) 384 U.S. 436 [86 S. Ct.
1602, 16 L.Ed.2d 694, 10 A.L.R.3d 974]) if he could first speak to his mother.
Police agreed. After speaking with his mother, he agreed to talk to police. In two
tape-recorded interviews, defendant admitted he had killed Radford and Levoy,
and that he had raped Levoy. He drew a map of the place in rural Oroville where
he had first buried Levoy. Following the map, police found an indentation in the
ground where defendant said he had dug the first grave; police also found some
black electrician's tape on the ground nearby.
Defendant testified at trial. He claimed he had heard the voice of a female named
Ladell in his head since he was 17 years old. He first heard a competing unnamed
male voice when he served in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969. He trusted the male
voice because it had warned him of danger in Vietnam and saved his life.
Defendant explained that he often used amphetamines to stay awake while driving
his truck, had taken amphetamines the day of the crimes and, at the time he killed
Radford, had not slept in a week and a half.
When he picked up Radford and Levoy, he noticed how attractive Levoy was and
became sexually aroused. The male voice started saying he should have sex with
Levoy. Ladell told him to leave Levoy alone. The male voice assured him he
would not get in trouble if he raped Levoy. Defendant testified, “I just couldn't go
against him. I just couldn't help it. Had to go along with what sounded like the
most logical thing to do.” The male voice said to knock Radford out so he could
be alone with Levoy. Defendant decided to follow the male voice, but did not
think Radford would die because defendant had assaulted someone with the
“cheater pipe” in 1977 and the victim did not suffer serious injury. Defendant said
that if he had wanted to kill Radford, he would have used the knife he kept in the
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truck or used some other, more silent means of killing that he had learned in the
military.
Defendant testified that when he hit Radford, the young man fell off the truck
screaming. Defendant told him to “shut up” and when he did not, defendant struck
him “a couple” of times with the pipe, taking full swings with both hands on the
pipe. He did not check to see if Radford was alive or dead; he just assumed
Radford was “out.” He then rejoined Levoy in the truck, displayed his knife, and
started driving. The voice named Ladell was chastising him while the male voice
was telling him to ignore Ladell. When they approached Kettleman City, the male
voice reminded defendant to have sex with Levoy. He pulled over around 4:00
a.m., displayed his knife again, and then raped Levoy. He then drove north
towards San Francisco. About an hour later, he pulled over and raped Levoy
again.
Defendant claimed he did not intend to kill Levoy and, after the second rape, was
looking all along the route for a safe yet deserted place to drop her off. As it
began to get light, he abandoned this plan and took her to the Bay Area with him.
He instructed Levoy to sit on the floor of his truck while he delivered his load.
She obeyed, sitting quietly in the truck for 45 minutes. He then drove to Oakland
to pick up another load for a local delivery. Defendant was stopped on the way to
Oakland by a California Highway Patrol officer, but Levoy complied with
defendant's instructions and did not call out to the officer or try to escape. After
stopping in Oakland, defendant drove home to Oroville, taking a long and
winding route.
Defendant stopped four miles outside of Oroville. By now it was about 11:00 p.m.
on February 6, 1981. Defendant told Levoy he would tie her up and leave her
under a bridge, coming back the next day when he was scheduled to drive to
Southern California. He would then release her in Los Angeles in a warehouse
district. He bound her with electrician's tape, but when he tried to gag her with
some fabric diapers, she struggled and bit him on the thumb and would not let go.
Defendant testified he twice hit her with his fist and then he blacked out and
began jerking the diaper around Levoy's neck. He stopped when he realized she
was no longer biting him. She slumped over; defendant at first thought she was
unconscious but then determined she was dead. He cried and asserted he had
never intended to kill her, even when she bit him. The male voice told him to get
rid of the evidence. As indicated, he buried her where he killed her, then exhumed
her body twice before finally burying her in his yard.
The next morning, on February 7, 1981, Thomas Jenkins, an insurance adjuster,
met with defendant and noticed facial abrasions and scratches, as well as a white
bandage on his hand. Defendant said his thumb had been almost bitten off by
another trucker.
Defendant's first wife, Patricia Budrow, testified that defendant hates to be bitten.
She testified she once bit his hand when they were wrestling in the car and he
became very angry and began choking her. Another time, she bit his hand when
they were wrestling on the floor. He grabbed her by the neck and looked dazed
and glassy-eyed. He later told her he did not know why he choked her, but that he
hated being bitten, and that when he was a child his mother would bite him until
he bled as a means of disciplining him. Budrow also testified that defendant's
mother confirmed the story and suggested Budrow use the same method to train
her children.
Weaver, 26 Cal.4th at 898-903.
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II. Sanity Phase

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A. Facts

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1. Evidence of Defendant's Family and Childhood
Dr. Albert Raitt, Jr., staff psychiatrist and director of the Butte County Mental
Health Program, testified defendant's maternal aunt, Kathryn Bernardo, was
schizophrenic. Dr. Raitt also concluded from medical records that Bernardo's
daughter (and defendant's cousin) Lucia Bernardo, was schizophrenic. Dr. Raitt
explained that experts believe there is a genetic component to schizophrenia,
hence the chance defendant would be schizophrenic was enhanced by the fact that
his aunt and cousin were so afflicted.
Katie S. testified she is defendant's sister. She is 15 months younger than
defendant and thus was 39 years old at the time of trial. When she was six years
old, defendant cut off one of her fingers while playing with a hatchet. She later
came to believe this act was intentional. About a year later, defendant tied her to a
tree, saying he was going to hang her. She did not believe him until he began
tying a noose. When he began to place the noose around her neck, she began
screaming hysterically. Defendant left her tied to the tree for a long time before
returning and releasing her. When she said she would tell their mother what he
had done, he threatened to beat her up.
Other incidents occurred in the next three years. Once, when defendant's sister
was in a field, he stampeded a herd of cattle into the field, later telling her he had
done it on purpose. He also locked her in a tool shed and then set it on fire. He
finally let her out when she screamed and pounded on the door; the fire got out of
control and started a forest fire. Defendant's mother punished both of them for this
incident.

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When Katie S. was nine years old, defendant tied her up and inserted sticks into
her vagina. When she was 12, defendant raped her and later told her she was
pregnant. She did not tell anyone about the rape because his threats frightened
her. Around that same time, she saw defendant and another boy torture a cat by
rubbing sandpaper on its bottom and then pouring turpentine on it. She would
sometimes get her friends to beat defendant up, although her parents punished her
with a whipping when they found out. When defendant was in high school, he
dated girls named Ladell and Sharon. He married his first wife, Patricia Budrow,
when he was 18 years old, but continued to live with his parents. Katie S.
admitted she was seeing a psychiatrist to help her deal with her childhood
experiences with defendant.

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2. Lay Evidence of Mental Illness

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Defendant's cousin, Russell Mathiasch, testified that in the mid -1970's he lived in
Texas. Around that time, he helped take defendant to a Veterans Administration
hospital in Dallas for treatment for his mental illness, but defendant was turned
away for lack of space; later that day, defendant was denied admission at another
Veterans Administration hospital in Waco. Defendant then returned home to
California.

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Del Roy Barnett was a coworker and friend of defendant. They often hunted and
fished together. When defendant went to Vietnam, he gave Barnett some fishing
equipment because he did not expect to return. When defendant returned from
Southeast Asia, he was more aggressive and outgoing. He seemed more prone to
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violence; he was irritable and anxious, and he drank more. He was depressed and
had trouble keeping a steady job. Sometimes defendant did not appear to know
Barnett was with him; defendant would talk to himself or to unseen people.
Barnett thought defendant probably took drugs to stay awake when he drove his
truck, but he was not sure.
Carl Hogan and Richard Archuleta testified they had been incarcerated with
defendant in the Kern County jail, and they saw him talking to himself or to
unseen people.

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Cecil Sneed, another Kern County jail inmate, testified defendant asked him to
testify that he had seen defendant talking to imaginary people. However, Sneed
had never seen defendant engage in such behavior. Sometime after the encounter,
he received a letter from defendant reading: “Anyone who hurt my case I would
do my best to do them in.” Sneed was impeached by evidence that after his
testimony he was to be released from jail and given a bus ticket, and by evidence
from two other jail inmates, Charles Shannon and Christopher Flores, who
testified Sneed was laughing and saying defendant was his “meal ticket out of
here” or words to that effect. Both Shannon and Flores reported seeing defendant
awake late at night, pacing and talking to himself.

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3. Expert Witnesses Called by the Defense

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Dr. Robert Gardner conducted a presentence diagnostic evaluation of defendant
for Humboldt County in 1977 following defendant's conviction of assault for
hitting a woman on the head with a baseball bat. Dr. Gardner testified defendant
was obviously depressed. Defendant said he had assaulted his wife several times
and had volunteered for the Army in order to be killed. Dr. Gardner concluded
defendant had suffered a “psychotic depressive reaction” and probably had an
“underlying psychiatric disorder” of an unspecified type and “might be on the
verge of becoming psychotic.” Dr. Gardner stated in his report that defendant was
at that time a “danger to others.” Although he did not find defendant was
suffering from schizophrenia, he did not rule it out.

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Dr. Alfred Owre, Jr., was the chief psychiatrist for the Department of Corrections,
California Men's Colony in San Luis Obispo in 1977 and evaluated defendant for
parole suitability. While incarcerated at the Men's Colony, defendant was not
taking any prescribed medications, such as antipsychotic medication. Dr. Owre
noted defendant was in school while in prison and received satisfactory work
reports. He concluded defendant was a “person without psychiatric
symptomology except in his distorted relationships with women.” Quoting from
his 1977 report, Dr. Owre noted that, regarding relationships with women,
defendant “derives pleasure from suffering at their hands,” but “[w]hen stressed
he derives an emotional relief from inflicting pain upon them. This is sexualized.”
His 1977 diagnosis was that defendant suffered from a “passive aggressive
personality with depressive and then sadomasochistic features.” A secondary
diagnosis was that he bore “[a]ggressive sexuality towards adult women,
manifested by attempted rape.” Defendant presented no signs of schizophrenia to
Dr. Owre. Dr. Owre found defendant was not d epressed or suicidal, and he
testified defendant did not complain of hallucinations or delusions.
On redirect, Dr. Owre opined that defendant was “definitely out of reality
contact” and that, as he was observing him in the courtroom, Dr. Owre believed
defendant was “suffering from a chronic [u]ndifferentiated schizophrenic
condition. He is responding to internal messages. He shows a dearth of body
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sensing movements. He appears to me to have deteriorated markedly since we last
had him [at the Men's Colony].”
A year after Dr. Owre's evaluation, in 1978, Dr. Jack Tolchin also conducted a
periodic mental health evaluation of defendant at the California Men's Colony for
the Community Release Board. He agreed with Dr. Owre's previous diagnosis of
a “passive aggressive personality with sadomasochistic features or depressive
features or both.” This condition was not a mental disease or defect but was
instead a personality disorder. He did not find defendant to be schizophrenic, but
admitted defendant's personality disorder was “very severe.” Dr. Tolchin
recommended defendant continue in therapy and be monitored on parole by a
psychiatrist.
Dr. George Chappell, a psychiatrist, was appointed by the court to examine
defendant to determine his sanity in connection with his 1981 crimes in Ventura
County against David Galbraith and Michelle D. n.12 Dr. Chappell testified
defendant told him he was taking 600 milligrams of Mellaril, an antipsychotic
medication. Defendant told him he could not shave with a mirror because when he
looked at his own face, he heard voices telling him to cut his own throat.
Defendant reported to Dr. Chappell hearing two voices, one male and one female;
defendant claimed he had heard the voices “over a period of years and months.”
Dr. Chappell “had serious questions as to whether [defendant] heard voices”
because there was no direct evidence of his having heard such voices and it was
unusual that defendant had not complained to people close to him (like his wife)
about the voices.
-FOOTNOTEn.12 Evidence of these crimes, which occurred shortly after the crimes against
Radford and Levoy, was admitted at the penalty phase. (See discussion, post, pt.
III.A.)
-END FOOTNOTE-

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Defendant told Dr. Chappell that he had been taking amphetamines for the
previous 18 months to stay awake while driving. Amphetamines would probably
aggravate an already existing psychosis, but Dr. Chappell did not believe
defendant suffered from schizophrenia or any other psychosis. Dr. Chappell
believed defendant “was malingering or faking some of his symptoms.” He found
defendant was legally sane at the time of the Ventura County crimes.
Dr. Theodore Donaldson, a clinical psychologist, also examined defendant for
insanity in connection with the Ventura County crimes. In addition to
interviewing him, Dr. Donaldson gave defendant the Minnesota Multiphasic
Personality Inventory and the Rorschach Projective Personality Test. Defendant
told him the voices in his head argued over whether to rape Michelle D., the
victim in the Ventura County case, and “the bad voice” won. Defendant knew the
rape was wrong but did it anyway. Dr. Donaldson thought defendant might be
fabricating the auditory hallucinations; he concluded defendant suffered from a
“mixed personality disorder, depressive neurosis, and a long history of
amphetamine abuse.” Persons suffering from a personality disorder such as
defendant's usually had a very small “built-in set of morals and values” and a
“lack of impulse control.” He did not think defend ant was schizophrenic. Like Dr.
Chappell, Dr. Donaldson concluded defendant was not suffering from a mental
disease or defect and was not insane in connection with the Ventura County case.
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Dr. Rolland Rose, a psychologist, conducted a diagnostic placement evaluation of
defendant in 1981 at the California Institute for Men in Chino, a state prison. Dr.
Rose had no personal recollection of defendant, but testified from his 1981 report.
He found defendant exhibited an “intense hostility toward women” and diagnosed
him as suffering from a “passive aggressive personality with schizoid features and
sexual sadism,” which he explained was a character disorder and not a mental
disease or defect. He admitted that one bearing such symptoms could be suffering
from schizophrenia in remission and that the character disorder Dr. Rose
diagnosed could be superimposed on a psychotic disorder.
Dr. Jack Shonkwiler, a psychiatrist, testified he was presently working under a
restricted license and was being supervised at a clinic by two other doctors. He
testified he had examined defendant in connection with the team of defense
experts, including Drs. Lundgren, Dietiker, and Cholet and Mr. Powers. He
interviewed defendant and defendant's mother and sister, and he viewed
videotapes of defendant answering questions pursuant to the Vietnam Era Stress
Inventory. He also examined reports from prior mental health evaluations of
defendant and his medical and military records.
Dr. Shonkwiler found defendant was “flooded with fantasies, images, visions of
[a] sadistic sexual and aggressive nature and he has essentially no control.” He
noted that the fact defendant had close blood relatives who were schizophrenic
gave him a “marked predisposition” to have schizophrenia. Dr. Shonkwiler's final
diagnosis of defendant was “paranoid schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress
[disorder]” (PTSD). He explained that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders (3d ed. 1980) (DSM-III) n.13 required evidence of the presence
of at least one of six diagnostic criteria under subdivision A for a diagnosis of
schizophrenia, and defendant fit all six categories. n.14 He had bizarre delusions
(he thought he could communicate with his mother telepathically); he had
grandiose delusions (he believed he could hold off police with explosives made
from household objects like bicycle tires and detergent); he had auditory
hallucinations involving two or more voices; and he had markedly illogical
thinking. Defendant fell “somewhat” into subdivision B, and there was evidence
of subdivision C although such evidence was not “dramatic.” For this latter
criterion, Dr. Shonkwiler noted defendant's social isolation, his blunt or flat affect,
and his belief in telepathy. Defendant did not suffer from manic depression so
subdivision D did not apply. Dr. Shonkwiler examined defendant when he was
38, so onset of symptoms occurred before age 45, fulfilling subdivision E.
Defendant did not suffer from an organic mental disorder or retardation (subd. F).
-FOOTNOTEn.13 DSM-III was the then accepted diagnostic tool in the mental health
profession. (See now Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th
ed. 1994) (DSM-IV).)
n.14 DSM-III contains the following diagnostic criteria for schizophrenic
disorder:
“A. At least one of the following during a phase of the illness:
“(1) bizarre delusions (content is patently absurd and has no possible basis in
fact), such as delusions of being controlled, thought broadcasting, thought
insertion, or thought withdrawal
“(2) somatic, grandiose, religious, nihilistic, or other delusions without
persecutory or jealous content
“(3) delusions with persecutory or jealous content if accompanied by
hallucinations of any type
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“(4) auditory hallucinations in which either a voice keeps up a running
commentary on the individual's behavior or thoughts, or two or more voices
converse with each other
“(5) auditory hallucinations on several occasions with content of more than one or
two words, having no apparent relation to depression or elation
“(6) incoherence, marked loosening of associations, markedly illogical thinking,
or marked poverty of content of speech if associated with at least one of the
following: [¶] (a) blunted, flat, or inappropriate affect [¶] (b) delusions or
hallucinations [¶] (c) catatonic or other grossly disorganized behavior
“B. Deterioration from a previous level of functioning in such areas as work,
social relations, and self-care.
“C. Duration: Continuous signs of the illness for at least six months at some time
during the person's life, with some signs of the illness at present. The six-month
period must include an active phase during which there were symptoms from
[criterion] A, with or without a prodromal or residual phase, as defined below.
“Prodromal phase: A clear deterioration in functioning before the active phase of
the illness not due to a disturbance in mood or to a Substance Use Disorder and
involving at least two of the symptoms noted below.
“Residual phase: Persistence, following the active phase of the illness, of at least
two of the symptoms noted below, not due to a disturbance in mood or to a
Substance Use Disorder.
“Prodromal or Residual Symptoms
“(1) social isolation or withdrawal
“(2) marked impairment in role functioning as wage-earner, student, or
homemaker
“(3) markedly peculiar behavior (e.g., collecting garbage, talking to self in public,
or hoarding food)
“(4) marked impairment in personal hygiene and grooming
“(5) blunted, flat, or inappropriate affect
“(6) digressive, vague, overelaborate, circumstantial, or metaphorical speech
“(7) odd or bizarre ideation, or magical thinking, e.g., superstitiousness,
clairvoyance, telepathy, 'sixth sense,' 'others can feel my feelings,' overvalued
ideas, ideas of reference
“(8) unusual perceptual experiences, e.g., recurrent illusions, sensing the presence
of a force or person not actually present [¶] ... [¶]
“D. The full depressive or manic syndrome (criteria A and B of major depressive
or manic episode), if present, developed after any psychotic symptoms, or was
brief in duration relative to the duration of the psychotic symptoms in [criterion]
A.
“E. Onset of prodromal or active phase of the illness before age 45.
“F. Not due to any Organic Mental Disorder or Mental Retardation.” (DSM-III,
supra, pp. 188-190, italics in original.)

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-END FOOTNOTE-

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Dr. Shonkwiler also opined that, in addition to schizophrenia, defendant suffered
from “full-blown post-traumatic stress [disorder].” The witness explained that
defendant's emotional detachment from his wife and children and his generally
constricted affect were both indicative of PTSD. Defendant's memory
impairment, difficulty concentrating and expressions of survivor guilt, apparent
from the videotapes of defendant taking the Vietnam Era Stress Inventory test,
were likewise consistent with PTSD. Dr. Shonkwiler testified that defendant's
chosen profession as a long-haul trucker could be viewed as a means to avoid
intimate relationships, which was consistent with the PTSD characteristic of
avoiding activities that arouse recollection of the traumatic event. Dr. Shonkwiler
surmised that defendant's amphetamine abuse may be related to a sleep

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disturbance, a common feature of PTSD. The witness admitted there was no
evidence defendant displayed hypervigilance, or an exaggerated startle response,
or that his symptoms intensified when exposed to events that symbolized or
resembled the war experience, three additional symptoms of PTSD. He testified
that defendant's abusive childhood predisposed him to have PTSD.
Dr. Shonkwiler also found defendant's amphetamine abuse was a factor in the
crimes: “My understanding was that [defendant] would have a quart jar with
amphetamines, ephedrine, maybe some valium, some elevil [sic], and would go
20 hours without sleep, driving a long range truck. He would just grab a fistful
and stuff it [in his mouth]. He didn't even know what he was taking. I am saying
that what he did may have been 30 percent schizophrenia, 30 percent posttraumatic stress, 30 percent child abuse and the rest amphetamines and sleep
deprivation. But who knows what was happening back there in '81, like a half hour, hour before he murdered Radford or kidnapped Levoy. Maybe he shoved
some amphetamines in him, which would make amphetamines 90 percent of what
he did.”
Dr. Shonkwiler opined that if defendant were taking antipsychotic medication
during prior mental health evaluations, his symptoms would have been masked.
Dr. Shonkwiler concluded that although defendant knew right from wrong, he
was unable to conform his conduct to the law. As a result of his abusive
childhood, schizophrenia, PTSD, and amphetamine abuse, defendant had “[v]ery
poor impulse control. He is functioning at the level, the earliest level of a child
wanting something and reaching for it. No gratification delay, very poor impulse
control.” The witness concluded defendant was legally insane.
Dr. Kathe Lundgren, a clinical psychologist, interviewed defendant and
administered a series of psychological tests to him at the request of defense
counsel. She concluded defendant had “one of the most severe personality
disorders” and that “[a] perceived threat to his source of affection or love,” even
“a slight frustration could set him into a violent act or a socially unacceptable act.
Remember, that this is perceived stress, and besides his personality disorder is the
psychosis, which twists reality, so even though you and I might not see something
as being threatening or frustrating, in his twisted perception of it, it could be that
it is frustrating to him.” She concluded defendant suffered from chronic
undifferentiated schizophrenia with a sociopathic, antisocial personality.
Dr. Lundgren opined that defendant attempted to fake being sicker than he was,
but she determined this was just an aspect of his mental illness. She was not
prepared to give a professional opinion whether defendant was legally insane.
Dr. K. Edward Dietiker, a psychologist, testified he was a member of the defense
team of experts that examined defendant. He also administered some
psychological tests to defendant. He concluded defendant suffered from paranoid
schizophrenia. He opined that “under certain circumstances [it would be] very
difficult for [defendant] to hold his behavior in conformity to the law. I think that
may [vary] from one situation to another, but certain situations that involve him in
the sexual sadistic controlling kinds of relationships, it may be virtually
impossible.” Dr. Dietiker did not express an opinion about whether defendant was
insane at the time of the crimes.
Dr. Byron Wittlin, a psychiatrist, testified he worked at a Los Angeles area
Veterans Administration hospital and treated PTSD patients and Vietnam War
veterans. He examined defendant and read several reports and previous mental
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health evaluations of defendant. He believed that when defendant entered the
military, he was already suffering from a psychotic illness and explained that the
stress of combat could aggravate a preexisting psychotic condition. He concluded
defendant suffered from schizophrenia, paranoid type, as well as PTSD, but he
could not determine whether defendant was legally insane.
Dr. Clyde Donahoe, a psychologist, testified he also worked at a Los Angeles area
Veterans Administration hospital and treated PTSD patients. He examined
defendant, administered psychological tests and reviewed his military records. In
addition, Dr. Donahoe administered psychophysiological tests, measuring
defendant's heart rate and respiration while he was shown a series of pictures,
some of which portrayed scenes from the Vietnam War. Defendant self-reported
on the “Traumatic Violence Scale” to Dr. Donahoe that he had “either
participated in or witnessed these items: Killing of women or children, mutilation
of dead bodies, mutilation of live people, inadvertent air strikes or ambushes on
own or friendly troops, use of white phosphorous or napalm, torture of prisoners,
mercy killing, watching a buddy die in a gruesome manner, leaving one of the
civilians to die, taking human body parts as trophies, bagging dead bodies,
deliberate killing of old women, men or children ... and the routine killing of
prisoners.”
Dr. Donahoe concluded to a reasonable medical certainty that defendant suffered
from delayed PTSD. He did not know whether defendant suffered from PTSD in
1981 when the crimes occurred, but admitted that he could “very well” have had
the disorder then.

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Dr. John Wilson, a clinical psychologist, works with veterans and is an expert on
PTSD. He developed the Vietnam Era Stress Inventory (VESI), a diagnostic tool
consisting of several hundred questions to help determine if a person suffers from
PTSD as a result of service in the Vietnam War. He interviewed defendant and
examined police reports and the numerous previous psychological evaluations of
defendant. Defendant reported to him that he had served as a combat engineer,
stood perimeter guard duty and encountered incoming mortar and “sapper” fire,
n.15 participated in unit patrols that “encountered anti-personnel weapons,”
engaged the enemy in a fire fight, was a tunnel rat (i.e., he entered underground
tunnels constructed by the Viet Cong) and checked enemy base camps, and was a
demolitions expert. Dr. Wilson opined that these experiences were consistent with
the dates of service in defendant's military record.

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-FOOTNOTE-

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n.15 A “sapper” is a “member of a military engineer unit organized, trained, and
equipped primarily to execute ... field fortification work” or “an engineer that
lays, detects, and disarms mines.” (Webster's 3d New Internat. Dict. (1961) p.
2013, col. 3.)

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-END FOOTNOTEDr. Wilson testified defendant has “paranoid schizophrenia in addition to posttraumatic stress disorder and a mixed personality disorder. All three coexist.” He
opined that defendant was “absolutely not” faking the symptom of “thought
broadcasting,” that is, the belief that people know his thoughts. Dr. Wilson
explained: “[Defendant's] affect was so intense that when individuals try to make
[sic; mask?] their emotions, their affect [does not] quite correspond to the content
of what you are saying and his was so spontaneous and his speech so pressured
that that's very characteristic of someone who is suffering from this disorder.”
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Dr. Wilson opined that defendant's schizophrenia began developing “very early in
childhood” as a result of sexual and physical abuse by his parents, especially his
mother. In response to this upbringing, he began to express his sexual and
aggressive feelings by engaging in antisocial behavior, as that was more
comfortable than dealing with the “deeper level of his personality, where he is
terribly confused and loses touch with reality, and then begins to hear voices and
other things.” His war experiences fed into his underlying psychosis in two ways.
First, they gave sanction to his violent impulses. Second, the stress of war
removed “whatever remaining controls he had over his impulses. What we now
have is an individual with pre-existing psychotic tendencies, learned psychopathic
antisocial personality disorder kinds of traits, but with no means to modulate
them, because the effect of the war stress was to pull away those tenuous controls,
ego controls, ego defenses, so that in one sense what we have is now this
interplay. The post-traumatic stress disorder causes him to feel vulnerable. He reexperiences images, nightmares, feelings connected to Vietnam. Those make him
feel vulnerable. That then feeds back into the psychosis, so he begins to have
hallucinations and hear voices. To cope with that, he behaves in an antisocial way.
So the three [psychological conditions, namely schizophrenia, PTSD, and
personality disorder,] literally feed into each other.”
Dr. Wilson concluded defendant was legally insane because, although he could
distinguish right from wrong, he “could not conform his conduct to the
requirements of the law.” He had read the reports of the four experts later called
by the prosecution, Drs. Cutting, Criswell, Burdick and Matychowiak, and
concluded they were incorrect in concluding defendant was sane, and that all four
experts overlooked defendant's PTSD.
Defendant's final sanity phase witness was Dr. Harry Kormos, a psychiatrist. He
is an expert on PTSD and the psychological problems of veterans, and had
worked with hundreds of veterans. He reviewed 10 to 12 inches of documents
relevant to defendant, including defendant's past mental health evaluations, the
police reports of the crimes, defendant's military record, and videotapes of
defendant answering the VESI questions. He also interviewed defendant for two
hours. He found defendant's responses on the VESI videotapes to be sincere and
consistent with those of other PTSD sufferers. He concluded defendant suffered
from paranoid schizophrenia and chronic PTSD.
Dr. Kormos explained that only a minority of psychologists and psychiatrists at
the time (1985) were “well versed” in PTSD and that it was a common error
among psychiatrists to focus on a patient's childhood and ignore the psychological
problems stemming from combat service in Vietnam. In addition, if defendant
was taking an antipsychotic drug like Mellaril, the drug could have masked the
symptoms of schizophrenia by reducing the intensity of symptoms.

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Dr. Kormos concluded: “I consider [defendant] to have been, at the time that [the
crimes] took place, to have been aware of the requirements of the law but unable
to conform to those requirements.”

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4. Expert Witnesses Called by the People

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Dr. Paul Cutting, a psychiatrist, examined defendant at the pretrial stage to
determine whether defendant was competent to stand trial; at that time Dr. Cutting
also examined defendant for sanity. He interviewed defendant for a little over one
hour and examined about 200 pages of documents supplied to him by the district
attorney's office. He did not administer any psychological tests. Defendant told

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him about the voices he heard in his head, and Dr. Cutting thought defendant did
actually experience such voices.
Dr. Cutting concluded defendant suffered from a schizoid personality disorder but
not schizophrenia, because he did not satisfy enough of the criteria of
schizophrenia listed in the DSM-III. When asked, “What criteria in DSM-III ruled
out schizophrenia?” he replied: “It is a degeneration from our previous level,
previous level of behavior, and he didn't have any particular regression from [a]
previous high level of behavior or adaptation, his lifelong poor adaptation, and
there wasn't any skid downhill in this case, he just never rose [above] a very low
level of adaptation.” Dr. Cutting also found defendant did not suffer from PTSD.
Dr. Cutting concluded defendant was not insane: “I felt he knew what he was
doing. I felt that he could listen to one voice or the other, obey whichever voice he
wanted to obey. [¶] He didn't always obey the man's voice, incidentally, because
the man's voice would frequently tell him to kill himself, and, obviously, he didn't
act on that man['s voice].”
Dr. Francis Matychowiak, a psychiatrist, was appointed by the superior court to
examine defendant to determine if he was insane at the time of the crimes. Dr.
Matychowiak examined prior medical reports, law enforcement investigative
reports, and a transcript of defendant's court testimony. He also examined
defendant in jail. He concluded defendant suffered from a “personality disorder,
showing a mixture of paranoid and antisocial traits.” He concluded defendant was
sane. He rejected a diagnosis of PTSD, finding defendant's talking to imaginary
persons was a “survival technique” but that it was not a post-traumatic reaction to
his war experiences.
Dr. Richard Burdick, a psychiatrist, was also appointed by the court to examine
defendant for sanity. Dr. Burdick concluded defendant demonstrated an antisocial
personality disorder, meaning he was “responsive to inner urges and needs
without particular conscience for what effect their behavior will have on another
person.... They tend to get into difficulties with people and are either on the fringe
or breaking the law, getting arrested. They do not seem to be responsive to
correction by being incarcerated or having other forms of limits put on them.” He
thought defendant's report of hearing voices could be fabricated but, in any event,
the voices did not play a role in the crimes. He admitted that if someone suffered
from both schizophrenia and a personality disorder, it was sometimes difficult to
perceive the underlying schizophrenia.
Dr. Burdick admitted he was not an expert in PTSD but found no indication of
that condition. He testified that although he frequently examined criminal
defendants at the superior court's request, he did not frequently find them insane.
He concluded defendant was not legally insane.
Dr. Francis Criswell, a psychiatrist, was, like Dr. Cutting, appointed during the
pretrial period to examine defendant both for competence and sanity. Dr. Criswell
testified that defendant had suffered an abusive childhood from an “extremely
pathological family,” but he agreed with other prosecution witnesses that,
although defendant suffered from a personality disorder, he was not psychotic,
schizophrenic, or otherwise suffering from a mental disease or defect. Because
defendant appreciated the criminality of his conduct and could conform his
actions to the law, Dr. Criswell concluded defendant was not legally insane.
Dr. Mary Cholet testified for the People. She worked on the defense team of Dr.
Lundgren, Dr. Dietiker and Mr. Powers, was a psychological assistant at the time
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of her examination of defendant, but was a psychologist at the time of trial. She
administered psychological tests to defendant and interviewed him. She disagreed
with the other members of her team, concluding defendant was not schizophrenic
but merely suffered from a personality disorder. She found no evidence of organic
brain damage and saw no evidence of hallucinations when she was with
defendant. She also concluded defendant did not suffer from PTSD, although she
admitted she was not familiar with the various diagnostic tools used by experts in
the area of PTSD. She concluded defendant knew the difference between right
and wrong, admitted she was only “fairly familiar” with the legal definition f or
insanity, and admitted this case was the first one in which she had tested someone
to determine their sanity.
Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 934-45.
III. Penalty Phase
A. Facts
Bonnie Brown testified that on September 22, 1976, she was working as a
waitress in Eureka, California. At midnight, as she left work after her shift, a man
she later identified as defendant pulled up in a pickup truck and asked her for
directions. He then asked her to have a drink or some coffee with him. She
agreed, and they went to a Denny's restaurant. He convinced her to go see his big
rig truck at a nearby truck stop; they drove their own vehicles there. After seeing
the truck, they walked back to their cars. When her back was turned, defendant hit
her on the back of the head with a club. Brown fell and blacked out. When she
came to, defendant had his hand over her mouth and told her not to scream or he
would kill her. He led her to his pickup truck, still holding what looked like a two
to three-foot-long wooden baseball bat. He forced her into the passenger side of
his truck, but she escaped as he walked around to get in the driver's side. She ran
to the truck stop and screamed. Defendant was identified and arrested, eventually
pleading guilty to assault with a deadly weapon. He served a prison term as a
result.
In April 1981, just two months after defendant's crimes against Radford and
Levoy, defendant picked up two hitchhikers: David Galbraith, 18 years old, and
Michelle D., 15 years old. Both testified against defendant. Galbraith and
Michelle D. were from Burlington, Washington, and were running away after
Galbraith burglarized a sporting goods store to obtain supplies for their trip. They
were headed for Yreka, California, where Michelle D. had an uncle. Defendant
agreed to take them there. Defendant's 10-year-old son was riding with defendant
that day.
When they arrived in Yreka, Michelle D.'s uncle was not home and not expected
back for two weeks. Defendant suggested the couple come with him to his home
in Oroville, and they accepted. The young couple stayed with defendant's family
for two or three days. They accepted defendant's offer to take them to Ventura on
his next trucking run. During the trip, defendant offered to help Galbraith find
work. When they arrived in Ventura, defendant and Galbraith unloaded the truck,
and then they met someone named Jerry, who defendant said would take
Galbraith somewhere where he could get a job. Defendant went on a short
delivery run with Michelle D.; they all agreed to meet in a few hours. Before they
left, Galbraith saw defendant give Jerry a gun.
After Jerry and Galbraith had been driving about an hour, Jerry stopped the car
and called Galbraith to come look at some deer on the side of the road. Jerry then
19

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1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

shot Galbraith in the back of the head. After Galbraith fell, Jerry shot him again in
the back of the head and then in the face. Jerry kicked him over an embankment
and left, without saying anything. Galbraith was conscious throughout the attack
and managed to crawl back to the roadway, where he was found by a forest
ranger.
After defendant and Michelle D. had driven around for awhile, he stopped and
raped her at gunpoint. Keeping her in the truck, he drove around again before
forcing her to orally copulate him a few hours later. He told her Galbraith would
be killed if she did not cooperate. He eventually returned with Michelle D. to his
home in Oroville. The victim did not try to escape because she feared for
Galbraith's life. Defendant released her in Marysville around 5:00 p.m., saying he
would return for her at 9:00 p.m. She did not go for help because she was in a
state of shock. When defendant did not return at 9:00 p.m., she went to the police.
Defendant testified at the penalty phase and explained that he took his family to
Idaho after his assault on Bonnie Brown in 1976, but returned and voluntarily
turned himself in when he learned police were looking for him. After his arrest, he
sought admission into two Veterans Administration hospitals in Texas but was
refused for lack of space.

11
12 Weaver, 26 Cal.4th at 974-76.
13
14

III. JURISDICTION
Relief by way of a petition for writ of habeas corpus extends to a person in custody

15 pursuant to the judgment of a state court if the custody is in violation of the Constitution or laws
16 or treaties of the United States. 28 U.S.C. §§ 2241(c)(3), 2254(a); Williams v. Taylor, 529 U.S.
17 362, 375 (2000). Petitioner asserts that he suffered violations of his rights as guaranteed by the
18 U.S. Constitution. The challenged conviction arises out of Kern County Superior Court, which is
19 located within the jurisdiction of this Court. 28 U.S.C. §§ 2241(d), 2254(a).
20

This action was initiated after April 24, 1996. Therefore, the amendments to 28 U.S.C. §

21 2254 enacted as part of the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, 110 Stat.
22 1214 (hereinafter the “AEDPA”), apply. See Lindh v. Murphy, 521 U.S. 320, 336 (1997); Van
23 Tran v. Lindsey, 212 F.3d 1143, 1148 (9th Cir. 2000), overruled on other grounds by Lockyer v.
24 Andrade, 538 U.S. 63, 71 (2003).
25

IV. STANDARDS OF REVIEW

26

A.

27

Under the AEDPA, relitigation of any claim adjudicated on the merits in state court is

Legal Standard - Habeas Corpus

28 barred unless a petitioner can show that the state court’s adjudication of his claim:
20

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1
2
3
4

(1) [R]esulted in a decision that was contrary to, or involved an unreasonable
application of, clearly established Federal law, as determined by the Supreme
Court of the United States; or
(2) [R]esulted in a decision that was based on an unreasonable determination of
the facts in light of the evidence presented in the State court proceeding.

5
6 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d); see also Harrington v. Richter, 562 U.S. 86, 98 (2011); Lockyer, 538 U.S.
7 at 70-71; Williams, 529 U.S. at 413.
8

“[A] state has ‘adjudicated’ a petitioner's constitutional claim ‘on the merits' for purposes

9 of § 2254(d) when it has decided the petitioner's right to post-conviction relief on the basis of
10 substance of the constitutional claim advanced, rather than denying the claim on the basis of a
11 procedural or other rule precluding state court review of the merits.” Brown v. Walker, Case No.
12 C 09-04663 JSW, 2014 WL 4757804 at *5 (N.D. Cal. Sept. 24, 2014) (citing Lambert v.
13 Blodgett, 393 F.3d 943, 969 (9th Cir. 2004)).
14

As a threshold matter, this Court must “first decide what constitutes clearly established

15 Federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court of the United States.” Lockyer, 538 U.S. at 71
16 (quoting 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d)(1)). In ascertaining what is “clearly established Federal law,” this
17 court must look to the “holdings, as opposed to the dicta, of [the Supreme Court's] decisions as
18 of the time of the relevant state-court decision.” Williams, 529 U.S. at 412. “In other words,
19 ‘clearly established Federal law’ under § 2254(d)(1) is the governing legal principle or principles
20 set forth by the Supreme Court at the time the state court renders its decision.” Id. In addition,
21 the Supreme Court decision must “squarely address [] the issue in th[e] case; otherwise, there is
22 no clearly established Federal law for purposes of review under AEDPA.” Moses v. Payne, 555
23 F.3d 742, 754 (9th Cir. 2009) (quoting Wright v. Van Patten, 552 U.S. 120, 125 (2008)); see also
24 Panetti v. Quarterman, 551 U.S. 930, 949 (2007); Carey v. Musladin, 549 U.S. 70, 74 (2006).
25

If no clearly established Federal law exists, the inquiry is at an end and the court must

26 defer to the state court’s decision. Carey, 549 U.S. 70; Wright, 552 U.S. at 126; Moses, 555 F.3d
27 at 760. In addition, the Supreme Court has clarified that habeas relief is unavailable in instances
28 where a state court arguably refuses to extend a governing legal principle to a context in which
21

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1 the principle should have controlled. White v. Woodall, 572 U.S. 415, 425-26 (2014). The
2 Supreme Court stated: “[I]f a habeas court must extend a rationale before it can apply to the facts
3 at hand, then by definition the rationale was not clearly established at the time of the state-court
4 decision.” Id. (quoting Yarborough v. Alvarado, 541 U.S. 652, 666 (2004)).
5

If the court determines there is governing clearly established Federal law, the court must

6 then consider whether the state court's decision was “contrary to, or involved an unreasonable
7 application of, [the] clearly established Federal law.” Lockyer, 538 U.S. at 72 (quoting 28
8 U.S.C. § 2254(d)(1)). “Under the ‘contrary to’ clause, a federal habeas court may grant the writ
9 if the state court arrives at a conclusion opposite to that reached by [the Supreme] Court on a
10 question of law or if the state court decides a case differently than [the] Court has on a set of
11 materially indistinguishable facts.” Williams, 529 U.S. at 412-13; see also Lockyer, 538 U.S. at
12 72. “The word ‘contrary’ is commonly understood to mean ‘diametrically different,’ ‘opposite
13 in character or nature,’ or ‘mutually opposed.’ ” Williams, 529 U.S. at 405 (quoting Webster's
14 Third New International Dictionary 495 (1976)). “A state-court decision will certainly be
15 contrary to [Supreme Court] clearly established precedent if the state court applies a rule that
16 contradicts the governing law set forth in [Supreme Court] cases.” Id.
17

“Under the ‘reasonable application clause,’ a federal habeas court may grant the writ if

18 the state court identifies the correct governing legal principle from [the] Court’s decisions but
19 unreasonably applies that principle to the facts of the prisoner’s case.” Williams, 529 U.S. at
20 413. “[A] federal court may not issue the writ simply because the court concludes in its
21 independent judgment that the relevant state court d ecision applied clearly established federal
22 law erroneously or incorrectly. Rather, that application must also be unreasonable.” Id. at 411;
23 see also Lockyer, 538 U.S. at 75-76. “A state court's determination that a claim lacks merit
24 precludes federal habeas relief so long as fair-minded jurists could disagree on the correctness of
25 the state court's decision.” Richter, 562 U.S. at 101 (citing Yarborough, 541 U.S. at 664).
26 Therein the Supreme Court stated that:
27
28

As a condition for obtaining habeas corpus from a federal court, a state prisoner
must show that the state court's ruling on the claim being presented in federal
court was so lacking in justification that there was an error well understood and
22

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1

comprehended in existing law beyond any possibility for fair-minded
disagreement.

2 Id. at 101-05. In other words, so long as fair-minded jurists could disagree on the correctness of
3 the state court’s decision, the decision cannot be considered unreasonable. Id. at 98-99. In
4 applying this standard, “a habeas court must determine what arguments or theories supported . . .
5 or could have supported the state court’s decision; and then it must ask whether it is possible
6 fair-minded jurists could disagree that those arguments or theories are inconsistent with the
7 holding in a prior decision of [the Supreme Court].” Id. at 101-03. This objective standard of
8 reasonableness applies to review under both subsections of 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d). Hibbler v.
9 Benedetti, 693 F.3d 1140, 1146-47 (9th Cir. 2012). If the court determines that the state court
10 decision is objectively unreasonable, and the error is not structural, habeas relief is nonetheless
11 unavailable unless the error had a substantial and injurious effect on the verdict. Brecht v.
12 Abrahamson, 507 U.S. 619, 637 (1993).
13

Petitioner has the burden of establishing that the decision of the state court is contrary to

14 or involved an unreasonable application of United States Supreme Court precedent. Baylor v.
15 Estelle, 94 F.3d 1321, 1325 (9th Cir. 1996). Although only Supreme Court law is binding on the
16 states, Ninth Circuit precedent remains relevant persuasive authority in determining whether a
17 state court decision is objectively unreasonable. LaJoie v. Thompson, 217 F.3d 663, 669 n.6 (9th
18 Cir. 2000); Duhaime v. Ducharme, 200 F.3d 597, 600-01 (9th Cir. 1999).
19

The AEDPA requires considerable deference to the state courts. “[R]eview under §

20 2254(d)(1) is limited to the record that was before the state court that adjudicated the claim on
21 the merits,” Cullen v. Pinholster, 563 U.S. 170, 181 (2011), and “evidence introduced in federal
22 court has no bearing on 2254(d)(1) review.” Id. at 185. “Factual determinations by state courts
23 are presumed correct absent clear and convincing evidence to the contrary.” Miller-El v.
24 Cockrell, 537 U.S. 322, 340 (2003) (citing 28 U.S.C. § 2254(e)(1)). However, a state court
25 factual finding is not entitled to deference if the relevant state court record is unavailable for the
26 federal court to review. Townsend v. Sain, 372 U.S. 293, 319 (1963), overruled by Keeney v.
27 Tamayo-Reyes, 504 U.S. 1 (1992), superseded by status as stated in Williams v. Taylor, 529
28 U.S. 420 (2000).
23

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1

If a petitioner satisfies either subsection (1) or (2) of § 2254 for a claim, then the federal

2 court considers that claim de novo. See Panetti, 551 U.S. at 953 (when § 2254(d) is satisfied,
3 “[a] federal court must then resolve the claim without the deference AEDPA otherwise
4 requires.”); accord Frantz v. Hazey, 533 F.3d 724, 737 (9th Cir. 2008).
5

In this case, some of Petitioner’s claims and allegations were raised and rejected by the

6 California Supreme Court on direct appeal while others were raised in his state habeas petitions
7 to that court and summarily denied. In the case of summary denial, where the state court
8 decision is unaccompanied by an explanation, “[t]he habeas petitioner’s burden still must be met
9 by showing there was no reasonable basis for the state court to deny relief.” Richter, 562 U.S. at
10 98. The Supreme Court stated that “a habeas court must determine what arguments or theories
11 supported or ... could have supported, the state court’s decision; and then it must ask whether it
12 is possible fair-minded jurists could disagree that those arguments or theories are inconsistent
13 with the holding in a prior decision of this Court.” Id. at 101-03 (emphasis added). Petitioner
14 bears “the burden to demonstrate that there was no reasonable basis for the state court to deny
15 relief.” Walker v. Martel, 709 F.3d 925, 939 (9th Cir. 2013) (quoting Richter, 562 U.S. at 98).
16 “Crucially, this is not a de novo review of the constitutional question,” id., as “even a strong case
17 for relief does not mean the state court's contrary conclusion was unreasonable.” Id. (quoting
18 Richter, 562 U.S. at 102); see also Murray v. Schriro, 745 F.3d 984, 996-97 (9th Cir. 2014).
19

When reviewing the California Supreme Court's summary denial of a petition, this Court

20 must consider that the California Supreme Court's summary denial of a habeas petition on the
21 merits reflects that court's determination that:
22
23
24

[T]he claims made in th[e] petition do not state a prima facie case entitling the
petitioner to relief. It appears that the court generally assumes the allegations in
the petition to be true, but does not accept wholly conclusory allegations, and will
also review the record of the trial ... to assess the merits of the petitioner's claims.

25
26 Pinholster, 563 U.S. 181 n.12 (quoting In re Clark, 5 Cal. 4th 750, 770 (1993)), superseded by
27 statute as stated in Briggs v. Brown, 3 Cal. 5 th 808 (2017); see also Johnson v. Williams, 568
28 U.S. 289, 300–01 (2013) (holding that even where the state court does not separately discuss a
24

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1 federal claim there is a presumption that that state court adjudicated the federal claim on the
2 merits); see also Richter, 562 U.S. at 99–100 (holding that “[§] 2254(d) does not require a state
3 court to give reasons before its decision can be deemed to have been adjudicated on the merits.”).
4

Accordingly, if this Court finds Petitioner has unarguably presented a prima facie case for

5 relief on a claim, the state court's summary rejection of that claim would be unreasonable.
6 Taylor v. Maddox, 366 F.3d 992, 1000 (9th Cir. 2004), overruled on other grounds by Murray v.
7 Schriro, 745 F.3d 984, 999-1000 (9th Cir. 2014), as recognized by Velasquez v. Ndoh, 824 Fed.
8 Appx. 498 (9th Cir. 2020); see also Nunes v. Mueller, 350 F.3d 1045, 1054-55 (9th Cir. 2003).
9

For any habeas claim that has not been adjudicated on the merits by the state court, the

10 federal court reviews the claim de novo without the deference usually accorded state courts under
11 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d)(1). Chaker v. Crogan, 428 F.3d 1215, 1221 (9th Cir. 2005); Pirtle v.
12 Morgan, 313 F.3d 1160, 1167 (9th Cir. 2002). For example, claims denied solely on procedural
13 grounds are reviewed de novo. Vang v. Nevada, 329 F.3d 1069, 1072 (9th Cir. 2003). In such
14 instances, however, the provisions of 28 U.S.C. § 2254(e) still apply. Pinholster, 563 U.S. 185
15 (“Section 2254(e)(2) continues to have force where § 2254(d)(1) does not bar federal habeas
16 relief.”); Pirtle, 313 F.3d at 1167–68 (stating that state court findings of fact are presumed correct
17 under § 2254(e)(1) even if legal review is de novo).
18

According to the Ninth Circuit:

19
20
21
22
23
24
25

In a habeas corpus proceeding, we do not review a question of federal law
decided by a state court “if the decision of that court rests on a state law ground
that is independent of the federal question and adequate to support the judgment.”
Coleman v. Thompson, 501 U.S. 722, 729, 111 S. Ct. 2546, 115 L.Ed.2d 640
(1991). This doctrine “applies to bar federal habeas review when the state court
has declined to address the petitioner's federal claims because he f ailed to meet
state procedural requirements.” McKenna v. McDaniel, 65 F.3d 1483, 1488 (9th
Cir.1995). If a petitioner has procedurally defaulted, we do not review the claim
unless the petitioner “can establish cause and prejudice or that a miscarriage of
justice would result in the absence of our review.” Moran v. McDaniel, 80 F.3d
1261, 1270 (9th Cir.1996).

26 Vang, 329 F.3d at 1072.
27
28

Procedural default is an affirmative defense. Bennett v. Mueller, 322 F.3d 573,
585 (9th Cir.2003). Generally, the state must assert the procedural default as a
25

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1
2
3
4
5

defense to the petition before the district court; otherwise the defense is waived.
Franklin v. Johnson, 290 F.3d 1223, 1229 (9th Cir.2002). However, the district
court retains discretion to consider the issue sua sponte if the circumstances
warrant. Boyd v. Thompson, 147 F.3d 1124, 1128 (9th Cir.1998).
In Boyd, we recognized that the district court may, sua sponte, raise the issue of
procedural default when the default is obvious from the face of the petition and
when recognizing the default would “further the interests of comity, federalism,
and judicial efficiency.” Id.

6 Id., at 1073.
7

A state procedural rule is “adequate” if it is “clear, consistently applied, and well-

8 established at the time of the petitioner's purported default.” Id. (citing Calderon v. United States
9 Dist. Court, 96 F.3d 1126, 1129 (9th Cir.1996)).
10

A state procedural bar is “independent” if the state court explicitly invokes the procedural

11 rule as a separate basis for its decision. McKenna v. McDaniel, 65 F.3d 1483, 1488 (9th Cir.
12 1995). For a state law ground to be “independent,” it must not be interwoven with federal law.
13 See La Cross v. Kernan, 244 F.3d 702, 704 (9th Cir. 2001). A state court's decision is not
14 “independent” if the application of a state's default rule depends on a consideration of federal
15 law. Park v. California, 202 F.3d 1146, 1152 (9th Cir.2000). If the state court's decision fails “to
16 specify which claims were barred for which reasons,” we have held that the ambiguity serves to
17 defeat the independence of the state procedural bar. Valerio v. Crawford, 306 F.3d 742, 775 (9th
18 Cir. 2002).
19
20

V. PROCEDURAL BARS
As noted, certain of Petitioner’s claims or aspects thereof were denied by the California

21 Supreme Court as procedurally barred. As to those claims, Respondent has invoked the noted
22 independent state ground doctrine, pursuant to which a federal court will not review a question of
23 federal law decided by a state court “if the decision of that court rests on a state law ground that
24 is independent of the federal question and adequate to support the judgment.” Vang, 329 F.3d at
25 1069 (quoting Coleman v. Thompson, 501 U.S. 722, 729 (1991)).
26

Since “cause and prejudice” can excuse a procedurally defaulted claim, Smith v.

27 Baldwin, 510 F.3d 1127, 1139 (9th Cir. 2007) (citing Coleman, 501 U.S. at 750), and
28 “prejudice” essentially requires a merits analysis, the Court will proceed to the merits of claims
26

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1 found to be procedurally defaulted, and review them de novo if denied solely on procedural
2 grounds, without determining whether the state procedural default is adequate and independent
3 to bar relief in federal court. Id. (citing Coleman, 501 U.S. at 732-35); see also Franklin v.
4 Johnson, 290 F.3d 1223, 1232 (9th Cir. 2002) (courts empowered to reach the merits if on their
5 face clearly not meritorious despite asserted procedural bar); Bell v. Cone, 543 U.S. 447, 451 n.3
6 (2005) (an application for habeas corpus may be denied on the merits even if unexhausted in
7 state court); Loggins v. Thomas, 654 F.3d 1204, 1215 (11th Cir. 2011) (relief may be denied on
8 the merits where petition is clearly not meritorious despite asserted procedural bar).
9

Under Martinez v. Ryan, 566 U.S. 1, (2012), the procedural default of a substantial claim

10 of ineffective assistance of trial counsel is excused where state law requires that all claims be
11 brought in the initial collateral review proceeding and counsel in that proceeding was ineffective.
12 See Ramirez v. Ryan, 937 F.3d 1230, 1241 (9th Cir. 2019). A substantial claim of ineffective
13 assistance of trial counsel is one which has “some merit.” Id. (citing Martinez, 566 U.S. at 1414 16). Conversely, an insubstantial claim of ineffective assistance of trial counsel “does not have
15 any merit or [ ] is wholly without factual support.” Id.
16

“Thus, to establish cause and prejudice in order to excuse the procedural default of his

17 ineffective assistance of trial counsel claim, Ramirez must demonstrate the following: (1) post18 conviction counsel performed deficiently; (2) there was a reasonable probability that, absent the
19 deficient performance, the result of the post-conviction proceedings would have been different,
20 Id.; and (3) the underlying ineffective-assistance-of-trial-counsel claim is a substantial one,
21 which is to say that the prisoner must demonstrate that the claim has some merit.” Ramirez, 937
22 F.3d at 1242.
23

To the extent claims already adjudicated were later denied on procedural grounds, the

24 Court finds these claims remain ripe for federal adjudication. See e.g., Cone, 556 U.S. 449, 46625 67 (2009); see also Forrest v. Vasquez, 75 F.3d 562, 564 (9th Cir. 1996) (applying look through
26 doctrine to Waltreus bars); Kim v. Villalobos, 799 F.2d 1317, 1319 n.1 (9th Cir. 1986) (applying
27 look through doctrine to Miller bars).
28
27

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1

VI. PRELIMINARY MATTERS

2

The Court takes judicial notice of the certified record on appeal to the California Supreme

3 Court, all documents on file in the California Supreme Court in the case of People v. Ward
4 Francis Weaver, Jr., California Supreme Court Case No. S004665 as lodged with this Court, and
5 all declarations, witness statements, and records filed on Petitioner’s behalf in his first state
6 habeas corpus proceeding before the California Supreme Court, In re Ward Francis Weaver, Jr.,
7 Case No. S073709, and in his second state habeas corpus proceeding before the California
8 Supreme Court, In re Ward Francis Weaver, Jr., Case No. S115638 (see Lod. Doc. Nos. 7 & 23,
9 respectively).
10

VII. REVIEW OF CLAIMS

11

A.

Claims Alleging Trial and Execution Incompetence

12

1.

Claim 3

13

Petitioner alleges that he was incompetent to stand trial due to mental and intellectual

14 impairments and/or disabilities that left him unable to understand the proceedings and assist
15 counsel in the defense, and to make valid waivers, violating his rights under the Fourth, Fifth,
16 Sixth, Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments. 4 (ECF No. 107 at 50-61.)
17

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

18

The Claim was presented to the California Supreme Court on direct appeal (Lod. Doc. 1

19 at 224-51), and denied on the merits, as follows:
20
On September 29, 1982, before defendant was arraigned, his defense counsel
expressed a doubt as to defendant's present competence. The trial court agreed
and appointed two psychiatrists, Dr. Paul Cutting and Dr. Francis Criswell, to
examine defendant. The proceedings were suspended until the two doctors could
examine defendant and file their reports with the court. On October 27, 1982, the
court was in possession of the reports of both doctors. Both found defendant was
legally competent. Defense counsel and the prosecutor submitted the question of
defendant's competence on these two psychiatric reports, and the trial court found
defendant competent. The proceedings then resumed.

21
22
23
24
25

Defendant contends the failure to hold a full-blown adversarial hearing on the
question of his competence deprived him of due process and requires that we
vacate his convictions. Essentially, defendant claims counsel could not waive a

26
27
4

Petitioner states that he incorporate the factual allegations and evidentiary support set out in Claims 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,

28 9 and 11. (ECF No. 107 at 50-51; cf. Rule 2, Rules Following 28 U.S.C. § 2254.)
28

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1
2
3
4
5
6

full jury trial with live witnesses. We rejected this precise claim in People v.
McPeters (1992) 2 Cal.4th 1148, 1169 [9 Cal.Rptr.2d 834, 832 P.2d 146]:
“Section 1368 entitles defendant to a 'hearing' on the issue of competence and he
received one. Although defendant's counsel, for understandable reasons, elected
to waive certain available incidents of the hearing procedure, i.e., the right to jury
trial and the rights to present oral testimony and to confront and cross-examine
witnesses, defendant presented evidence and received an independent judicial
determination of his competence to stand trial based on the stipulated record.
[Citation.] [¶] Defendant cites no authority holding that submission to the court of
the issue of competence to stand trial based on psychiatric reports is per se
unconstitutional or a violation of statute.”

7 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 903.
8

The Claim was presented to the California Supreme Court in Petitioner’s first state

9 habeas petition (Lod. Doc. 7 at 407-21) as ineffective assistance of counsel, and summarily
10 denied on the merits (Lod. Doc. 8).
11

b.

Legal Standard

12

(i)

Trial Incompetence – Substantive Due Process

13

A criminal defendant has a constitutional due process right not to be tried or convicted

14 while incompetent to stand trial. Pate v. Robinson, 383 U.S. 375, 378 (1966); accord Medina v.
15 California, 505 U.S. 437, 439 (1992). He may not waive his right to counsel or plead guilty
16 unless he does so “competently and intelligently[.]” Johnson v. Zerbst, 304 U.S. 458, 468
17 (1938); accord Godinez v. Moran, 509 U.S. 389, 396 (1993). This right assures that a defendant
18 has: (1) a rational, as well as a factual, understanding of the nature of the proceedings against
19 him; and (2) the present ability to consult with his lawyer with a reasonable degree of rational
20 understanding and to assist with the preparation and presentation of his defense. See Drope v.
21 Missouri, 420 U.S. 162, 171–72 (1975) (quoting Dusky v. United States, 362 U.S. 402 (1960)).
22 Protecting this right is “fundamental to an adversary system of justice.” Id. at 172.
23

The trial or conviction of a person who is legally incompetent is a substantive due

24 process violation. Cooper v. Oklahoma, 517 U.S. 348, 354 (1996); see also Maxwell v. Roe, 606
25 F.3d 561, 568 (9th Cir. 2010) (“It is undisputed that the conviction of an accused person while he
26 is legally incompetent violates due process.”) (quoting Robinson, 383 U.S. at 378).
27

“[T]he standard for competence to stand trial is whether a defendant has sufficient

28 present ability to consult with his lawyer with a reasonable degree of rational understanding and
29

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1 has a rational as well as factual understanding of the proceedings against him.” Moran, 509 U.S.
2 at 396 (citing Dusky, 362 U.S. at 402); see also Clark v. Arnold, 769 F.3d 711, 729 (9th Cir.
3 2014). “It has long been accepted that a person whose mental condition is such that he lacks the
4 capacity to understand the nature and object of the proceedings against him, to consult with
5 counsel, and to assist in preparing his defense may not be subjected to a trial.” Anderson v.
6 Gipson, 902 F.3d 1126, 1133 (2018) (citing Drope, 420 U.S. at 171).
7

A “substantive” competency claim focuses on whether the defendant was actually

8 incompetent at trial. Boyde v. Brown, 404 F.3d 1159, 1165 (9th Cir. 2005). “Even where the
9 evidence before the trial judge was insufficient to raise a good faith doubt with respect to
10 Steinsvik's competency, he would still be entitled to relief if it now appears that he was in fact
11 incompetent.” Steinsvik v. Vinzant, 640 F.2d 949, 954 (9th Cir. 1981) (citing Zapata v. Estelle,
12 588 F.2d 1017, 1021 (5th Cir. 1979)).
13

Petitioner bears the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence. Hayes v.

14 Woodford, 301 F.3d 1054, 1078 n.28 (9th Cir. 2002) (citing Simmon v. Blodgett, 110 F.3d 39,
15 41 (9th Cir. 1997)) (rehearing en banc Hayes v. Brown, 399 F.3d 972 (9th Cir. 2005)) (panel
16 decision reversed on other grounds).
17

Trial incompetency, if demonstrated, is structural error not amenable to harmless error

18 analysis under Brecht, but rather necessitating automatic reversal. See United States v. Walters,
19 309 F.3d 589, 593 (9th Cir. 2002) (quoting Neder v. United States, 527 U.S. 1, 7 (1999)).
20

c.

Analysis

21

Petitioner argues that during his trial from September 1984 to April 1985, he suffered

22 major mental illnesses or vulnerabilities and brain dysfunction, and their attendant physical and
23 mental symptoms, leaving him incompetent for trial. (ECF No. 107 at 51; ECF No. 210 at 51);
24 see also Penal Code § 1367; Boag v. Raines, 769 F.2d 1341, 1343 (9th Cir. 1985) (habeas court
25 may consider facts creating a real and substantial doubt as to petitioner’s competency, even if
26 those facts were not presented to the trial court); Chavez v. United States, 656 F.2d 512, 518 (9th
27 Cir. 1981) (“Trial courts must assess a defendant's competence with specific reference to the
28 gravity of the decisions the defendant faces.”) (citing de Kaplany v. Enomoto, 540 F.2d 975, 985
30

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1 (9th Cir. 1976)). He argues that numerous mental impairments detrimentally affected his ability
2 to rationally understand the proceedings against him or rationally aid and assist counsel at trial
3 because he could not: (1) understand the true nature of the charges brought against him; (2) assist
4 counsel in the preparation of his defense; (3) understand the nature and object of the legal
5 proceedings; (4) understand the nature and impact of the testimony and evidence brought against
6 him; (5) make knowing and intelligent waivers of his constitutional rights; and (6) exercise his
7 constitutional rights, including his right to effective assistance of counsel and right to cross
8 examine witnesses.” (ECF No. 210 at 47.)
9

However, the state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner failed to demonstrate

10 by a preponderance of the evidence that he was incompetent to stand trial, as discussed below.
11

(i)

Competency Determination at Arraignment

12

Petitioner discounts the competency determination made at the time of his arraignment.

13 He argues the court appointed experts, Drs. Paul Cutting and Francis Criswell, in their October
14 1982 reports, did not consider evidence of his psychosocial history, and that his psychotic
15 symptoms were then masked by the antidepressant Mellaril. (See CT, Confidential Records, at
16 8-12, 13-20; ECF No. 202-1 at 227-35.) He also argues the state law requirement that a
17 defendant’s incompetency result from “mental disorder or developmental disability” conflicts
18 with the clearly established federal law. (See e.g., ECF No. 211 at 27); Penal Code § 1367.
19

A state court's determination of a defendant's competence is entitled to a presumption of

20 correctness on habeas corpus review, Demosthenes v. Baal, 495 U.S. 731, 735 (1990) (per
21 curiam); Vargas v. Lambert, 159 F.3d 1161, 1168 (9th Cir.1998), and petitioner has the burden
22 of presenting clear and convincing evidence rebutting this presumption. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(e)(1).
23

The record reflects that during arraignment, on September 29, 1982, the Kern County

24 Superior Court, based on its observation of Petitioner’s appearance and information provided by
25 Lead Counsel, declared a doubt as to Petitioner’s competence for trial. (RT Sept. 29, 1982, at 226 4; CT 206-208.) The court then suspended proceedings and at the suggestion of and with the
27 agreement of Counsel, appointed two experts, Drs. Paul Cutting and Francis Criswell, to
28 examine Petitioner, and opine upon not only his competency, but his sanity. (See CT 206-208;
31

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1 CT, Confidential Records, at 8-12, 13-20.) On October 27, 1982, upon reviewing the reports of
2 these experts opining competency for trial, the trial court declared that Weaver was competent to
3 stand trial and reinstated the criminal proceedings. (RT Oct. 27, 1982, at 3; see also CT 209.)
4

Here, the state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner failed to impeach or

5 demonstrate a basis for discounting the pretrial competency reports and determination.
6

(A)

Failure to Hold a Formal Competency Hearing

7

Petitioner argues the trial court erred by failing to hold a formal pretrial competency

8 hearing. (ECF No. 107 at 53, 60-61; ECF No. 210 at 48.)
9

However, the state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner did not show real and

10 substantial evidence that a formal competency hearing at arraignment was required or necessary.
Petitioner does not provide state or federal authority that submission on the experts’

11

12 reports was improper, or that an evidentiary hearing was required. See Penal Code § 1367;
13 Dusky, 362 U.S. 402.
14

Counsel submitted the issue of competence to stand trial on court-ordered psychiatric

15 reports of Drs. Paul Cutting and Francis Criswell, who found him competent for trial.5 (See CT,
16 Confidential Records, at 8-12, 13-20); see also Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 903.) Petitioner did not
17 challenge the qualifications or credibility of these experts. Both experts based their findings and
18 opinions on professional standards, their review of the noted psychosocial records and materials,
19 and their respective examinations of Petitioner. (See CT, Confidential Records, at 8-12, 13-20;
20 see Baal, 495 U.S. at 735 (state court's determination petitioner was competent was supported by
21 record, including opinions of three psychiatrists); Williams v. Woodford, 384 F.3d 567, 608-09
22 (9th Cir. 2004) (“We accord substantial weight to Dr. Siegel's contemporaneous opinion that
23 [petitioner] did not suffer from a mental defect, and to the other evidence before the state trial
24 court that suggested that [petitioner] was competent to stand trial.”).
Petitioner’s suggestion Drs. Cutting and Criswell were uninformed or incorrectly

25
26

Respondent
because it
applies a “new
27 constitutionalcontends this Claim is not cognizable288 (1989).creates and retroactivelythis argument as rule” of
law under Teague v. Lane, 489 U.S.
Respondent advances
to other
5

Claims as well. Unless otherwise noted, the Court declines to a ddress Respondent’s Teague arguments where the

28 Claim lacks merit.

32

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1 informed as to his use of Mellaril belies the noted record, as discussed herein. Cf. Moran v.
2 Godinez, 57 F.3d 690, 695 (9th Cir. 1994), superseded by statute as stated in In re Gonzales, 623
3 F.3d 1242 (9th Cir. 2010), reversed on other grounds by Ryan v. Gonzales, 568 U.S. 57 (2013) (a
4 reasonable jurist should have entertained a competency doubt where defendant was taking
5 multiple medications including as anti-anxiety and sedative, stated his desire to plead guilty and
6 die, and had recently attempted suicide).
7

Petitioner’s further argument that a hearing was necessary to develop facts surrounding

8 Second Counsel’s statement and the finding of Drs. Cutting and Criswell that Petitioner was
9 competent for trial only if assisted by counsel reasonably could be seen as unpersuasive.
10 Particularly, Petitioner has not pointed to clearly established Supreme Court authority supporting
11 the argument. Nor has he demonstrated how and why development of such matters at a formal
12 hearing would provide a basis to question or discount the findings and opinions of Drs. Cutting
13 and Criswell.

See Williams, 529 U.S. at 386 (habeas relief is available when a state-court

14 decision “was based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence
15 presented in the State court proceeding.”).
16

As Respondent observes, “[a] state court’s decision not to hold an evidentiary hearing

17 does not render its fact-finding process unreasonable so long as the state court could have
18 reasonably concluded that the evidence already adduced was sufficient to resolve the factual
19 question.” (Id., citing Hibbler, 693 F.3d at 1147; Ayala v. Chappell, 829 F.3d 1081, 1105 (9th
20 Cir. 2016) (a state court's decision may be based on an “unreasonable determination of the facts,”
21 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d)(2), if “the [fact-finding] process employed by the state court [was]
22 defective,”).
23

Notably, at arraignment, Counsel did not argue in support of incompetence. See Medina

24 v. California, 505 U.S. 437, 450 (1992) (“[D]efense counsel will often have the best-informed
25 view of the defendant's ability to participate in his defense.”); Williams, 384 F.3d at 608 (“We
26 find especially relevant defense counsel's opinion that [petitioner] was competent to stand
27 trial.”); Hernandez v. Ylst, 930 F.2d 714, 718 (9th Cir.1991) ( “While the opinion of [defense]
28 counsel certainly is not determinative, a defendant's counsel is in the best position to evaluate a
33

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1 client's comprehension of the proceedings.”).
2

(B)

Failure to Consider Psychosocial History Evidence

3

Petitioner argues that had Drs. Cutting and Criswell considered his habeas proffered

4 family and personal psychosocial history, they might have concluded differently. (See Claims 4,
5 5, 8, herein.)
6

The record reflects that Dr. Cutting reviewed 270 pages of reports and documents and

7 examined Petitioner on October 15, 1982. (See CT, Confidential Records, at 8.) Petitioner
8 provided Dr. Cutting with certain psychosocial background information regarding his family,
9 educational, and military history relating to abuse, poor academic performance, auditory
10 hallucinations of a male voice and female voice, regular employment including the use of drugs
11 and “speed” while working as a truck driver prior to and at the time of the capital crimes,
12 various traumatic injuries including his serious logging truck accident, and prior psychiatric
13 assessment. (Id. at 9.) Also, Petitioner told Dr. Cutting his mother meted out discipline by biting
14 him, the trauma of which played a role in his abusing his first and second wives. (Id. at 10.)
15

Dr. Cutting was aware Petitioner had a history of taking Mellaril and was then taking

16 Mellaril to prevent pacing and help him sleep. (Id.; see also ECF No. 209 at 45.)
17

Dr. Cutting diagnosed Petitioner with atypical psychosis and personality disorder and

18 found him competent for trial with the assistance of counsel, and sane at the time of the capital
19 crimes. (Id. at 11-12.)
20

The record reflects that Dr. Criswell reviewed 276 pages of records relating to the instant

21 crime and the separate Ventura County case including psychiatric evaluation and conviction
22 therein, and he examined Petitioner on October 18, 1982. (See CT Confidential Records, at 13.)
23 Dr. Criswell observed Petitioner was then mildly sedated with and had a history of taking
24 Mellaril, in doses as high as 600 mg. per day, while incarcerated. (Id. at 13, 18; see also ECF
25 No. 209 at 45.) Dr. Criswell observed no evidence of thought disorder or delusional thinking.
26 (Id. at 13-14.)
27

Petitioner also provided Dr. Criswell with psychosocial background information

28 consistent with that he provided to Dr. Cutting. (Id.)
34

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1

Dr. Criswell found Petitioner was not then or ever psychotic or insane, and diagnosed

2 him with a pathological personality and sexual sadism. (Id. at 19.) Particularly, Dr. Criswell
3 found Petitioner’s alleged auditory hallucinations to be unconvincing. (Id. at 19-20.) Dr.
4 Criswell found Petitioner competent to stand trial with the assistance of counsel. (Id.)
5

The state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner’s proffered psychosocial

6 history, to the extent available in 1982 and not provided to Drs. Cutting and Criswell, was not a
7 basis to discount the findings and opinions of these arraignment experts, for the reasons
8 discussed in Claims 4, 5, and 8, post, and summarized here. (See also ECF No. 209 at 36, 41,
9 42, 46, 48.)
10

Petitioner’s proffer includes evidence of multi-generational and extended family mental

11 illness and neuropsychological impairment, schizophrenia, psychotic disorders, and seizure
12 disorders. (See e.g., ECF No. 210 at 51, citing 1SHCP Ex.’s 5-8, 54, 55, 154; see also RT 455213 94, 4605-07; 5050-5123, 5310-11, 5497-5506.) However, neither Drs. Cutting and Criswell, nor
14 thirteen of the twenty-one other mental health experts testifying at trial found Petitioner to be
15 schizophrenic, psychotic, or suffering seizures, and none of the trial experts found Petitioner
16 incompetent for trial. (See e.g., CT, Confidential Records, at 8-12, 13-20.) Notably, neither Dr.
17 Cutting nor Dr. Criswell testified that they lacked information needed to opine on competency.
18 To the contrary, Dr. Cutting testified that he reviewed all the reports and information he needed
19 to inform his 1982 findings and opinion. (RT 6091; see also RT 6114-15.) Moreover, this Court
20 previously found Drs. Cutting and Criswell considered the same social history factors, i.e., child
21 abuse, wartime service in Vietnam, as other testifying trial experts. (ECF No. 209 at 48.)
22

Petitioner proffers evidence that he experienced direct and indirect physical, emotional,

23 and possibly sexual abuse at the hands of his parents, particularly his mother who facilitated his
24 co-dependent behavior, leaving him mentally ill. (See e.g., ECF No. 210 at 51 citing 1SHCP
25 Ex.’s 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 11, 37 at ¶ 22, 142; RT 3895-99, 4695-97, 4728-29, 4784, 4812, 5050--5123,
26 5175, 5310-11 5300, 5497, 5509-14, 5526-99; 5818, 5925-33, 5995-97, 6087-6119, 6293, 637327 76.) However, Drs. Cutting and Criswell generally were aware of Petitioner’s allegedly abusive
28 upbringing, and his alleged oral and visual hallucinations relating to a male and female voice,
35

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1 and considered such in rendering their opinions. (See CT, Confidential Records, at 8-12, 13-20.)
2

Petitioner proffers evidence of alcohol and drug abuse during his military deployment to

3 Vietnam and related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (“PTSD”) allegedly leaving him with mental
4 and behavioral problems including episodes of schizophrenia, psychotic and personality
5 disorders, attention deficits and impaired abstract thinking. (See e.g., ECF No. 210 at 52-53
6 citing the testimony of Dr. J. Shonkwiler (RT 5126-49); Dr. B. Wittlin (RT 5596-5610); Dr. C.
7 Donahoe (RT 5673-5702); Dr. J. Wilson (RT 5814-5881, 5882-5911); .Dr. H. Kormos (RT
8 5929-45); see also 1SHCP Ex.’s. 36 (declaration of state habeas defense expert Watson), 37
9 (declaration of state habeas defense expert Foster); non-expert mental state evidence (1SHCP
10 Ex.’s 1, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 102, 124, 126, 143, 155, 157, 165); and additional mental state
11 evidence (RT 3922-23, 3955, 4072-73, 5296-5315, 5818-5881.) Even so, Drs. Cutting and
12 Criswell considered the extent, ebb, and flow of Petitioner’s then apparent mental and behavioral
13 problems, including his level of functioning including that after his return from Vietnam, he was
14 mostly employed, at one point owning his own trucking business. (Id.; RT 4073.)
15

Petitioner proffers evidence that he suffered organic brain injury, impairment and

16 neurocognitive deficits including evidence of a low-normal IQ, long-standing hearing loss,
17 problems processing verbal information and remembering things, possible partial complex
18 seizure disorder; he points in support to his poor academic performance and dropping out of high
19 school. (See e.g., ECF No. 210 at 52, citing 1SHCP Ex. 36 at ¶¶ 32, 36 [reflecting Petitioner’s
20 overall IQ of 95 and verbal IQ score of 85]; see also 1SHCP Ex.’s 1, 2, 46, 51, 51A, 57, 104,
21 110, 155; RT 4665-77, 4733, 5496, 5891.)

Still, Drs. Cutting and Criswell considered

22 Petitioner’s mental capacity. Dr. Cutting found Petitioner to be of low average Intelligence
23 Quotient. (RT 6072.) Dr. Criswell found that Petitioner was of average intelligence. (RT 6365.)
24 Moreover, not all defense experts questioned Petitioner’s mental capacity. Dr. Chappell, a year
25 prior to Petitioner’s arraignment on the capital crimes, found him of average intelligence. (RT
26 4908.) Dr. Rose, a corrections department psychologist who examined Petitioner shortly after
27 the Ventura conviction, also found him of average intelligence. (RT 4972.)
28

Petitioner proffers evidence that he was addicted to amphetamines during his
36

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1 employment as a truck driver. (See e.g., ECF No. 210 at 54, citing 1SHCP Ex. 37 at ¶ 26; see
2 also 1SHCP Ex.’s 4, 11 at ¶ 11; RT 3923, 4072-74.) He proffers evidence that amphetamine
3 abuse can cause at least temporary psychosis. (RT 4907.) Even so, the state supreme court
4 reasonably could find Petitioner’s history of amphetamine abuse as a truck driver was not a basis
5 to discount the arraignment competency opinions of Drs. Cutting and Criswell. Notably, neither
6 Dr. Cutting nor Dr. Criswell found Petitioner to be actively psychotic at the time of arraignment.
7 Moreover, the proffer appears to concede that amphetamine remains in the system no longer than
8 72 hours. (RT 4876.)
9

Petitioner proffers evidence that he sought and received treatment for mental illness (see

10 e.g., RT 4702-03, 4724-41, 5517-5610; 5798-5800), including treatment with varying doses of
11 the antipsychotic Mellaril during the period 1981-1983 while incarcerated in state prison and
12 county jail prior to the capital trial (1SHCP Ex. 37 at ¶ 31; see also, RT 4863-82, 5070-71, 5117;
13 6372-73); when interviewed at San Quentin by the Kern County Sheriff’s Department (see e.g.,
14 ECF No. 210 at 56 citing RT 122-25, 144-46; RT 202-203, 211-12, 215-17); and while arraigned
15 on the capital charges (August 18, 1992 RT at 1-4; September 29, 1982 RT at 1-4), and evaluated
16 for competency by Drs. Cutting and Criswell during arraignment (see CT, Confidential Records,
17 at 8-12, 13-20; see also ECF No. 210 at 55-57; RT 6042-43, 6351-52; 1SHCP Ex.’s 60-61).
18 Still, the state supreme court reasonably could find the proffer not a basis upon which to discount
19 the arraignment competency opinions of Drs. Cutting and Criswell.
20

As to Mellaril, the record reflects that while at San Quentin in 1982, Petitioner was

21 prescribed 100 mg. of Mellaril daily as an antidepressant. (RT 1541-44; see also ECF No. 209 at
22 45.) Drs. Cutting and Criswell knew that Petitioner was taking Mellaril at the time of their
23 competency evaluations and discounted its effect other than mild sedation.

(See CT,

24 Confidential Records, at 8-12, 13-20.) Notably, the record reflects Petitioner’s Mellaril was
25 discontinued by Kern County jail medical staff in 1983 upon their determination Petitioner no
26 longer needed it. (See CT Confidential Records at 58; see also RT 200, 3500-01; 1SHCP Ex. 37,
27 at ¶ 31; ECF No. 209 at 45.)
28

As to any pre-existing mental illness at the time of arraignment, Drs. Cutting and
37

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1 Criswell considered Petitioner’s prior psychological history including as related to the Ventura
2 proceeding. (See CT, Confidential Records, at 8-13.) For example, Dr. Chappell, who along
3 with Dr. Donaldson was appointed by the court in the Ventura proceeding to opine on
4 Petitioner’s sanity at the time of the Ventura crimes, examined him in August 1981 and found
5 him sane at the time of the May 1981 Ventura crimes. (RT 4894-98.) Dr. Donaldson likewise
6 found Petitioner sane at the time of the Ventura crimes. (RT 4926, 4942.) These Ventura
7 experts suspected Petitioner was malingering or faking some symptoms. (RT 4884, RT 4926.)
8 Particularly, Dr. Chappell observed that Petitioner was oriented and that his memory and
9 judgment were intact. (RT 4906).
10

At bottom, the state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner has not shown any

11 failure by Drs. Cutting and Criswell to consider proffered evidence, to the extent available in
12 1982, as a basis to discount their findings and opinions. Especially so, as Drs. Cutting and
13 Criswell during their sanity phase testimony, did not suggest whether and how evidence
14 proffered after their 1982 opinions would have impacted those opinions, if at all.
15

(ii)

Competency Following Arraignment and During Trial

16

(A)

Petitioner’s Conduct and Demeanor

17

Petitioner argues his conduct and demeanor following arraignment and throughout trial

18 demonstrated trial incompetence. He argues the arraignment competency determinations of Drs.
19 Cutting and Criswell were over two years old by the time of trial and conflicted with Dr. Owre’s
20 noted courtroom observation during the sanity phase that Petitioner had decompensated. (See
21 e.g., RT 4808-16.) He argues that he began decompensating in the year prior to trial when Kern
22 County Jail personnel discontinued his Mellaril prescription and then placed him in a darkened
23 isolation cell. (See 1SHCP Ex. 37 at ¶ 31; RT 3499-3501, 3549-51; see also ECF No. 210 at 57;
24 ECF No. 214 at 24-26.) For example, he points to evidence that he became floridly delusional
25 while in the Kern County jail, including that: cellmates observed him talking to himself, crying,
26 and relieving himself in bed (RT 5716-21, 5723-27.) He points to evidence that during this time,
27 the male voice in his head directed that he kill himself. (See ECF No. 210 at 52-53; RT 5805-06,
28 6572-73, 6577-84.) Petitioner points to evidence that his guilt phase testimony, however lucid
38

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1 on its face, preceded by five weeks the noted decompensation into schizophrenia and psychosis
2 allegedly observed by Dr. Owre during the latter’s sanity phase testimony. (See ECF No. 214 at
3 23-24; RT 4815-22.)
4

But the state supreme court reasonably was unpersuaded that Petitioner’s mental state and

5 circumstances changed substantially following arraignment, preponderating to prima facie
6 incompetence by the time of trial.
7

The state supreme court reasonably could discount evidence Petitioner decompensated

8 while in the Kern County Jail prior to and during trial. Inmate testimony of isolated alleged
9 instances of odd behavior was subject to impeached during the sanity phase. (See Claims 4, 5,
10 8; see also ECF No. 209 at 39.) That court reasonably could find evidence that Petitioner was
11 only mildly sedated with Mellaril at the time of arraignment, and that continued administration
12 of the antipsychotic for that purpose ended at least a year before trial, insufficient evidence of
13 decompensation at trial. That court reasonably could find discontinuance of Mellaril by medical
14 staff at the Kern County jail, on ground Petitioner did not need the medication, militated against
15 decompensation during trial. (Id.) Petitioner himself told examining mental health experts that
16 apart from helping him sleep, Mellaril had no effect on him. (See e.g., RT 6151-52, 6284.) That
17 court reasonably could discount Dr. Owre’s sanity phase testimony of decompensation, for the
18 reasons discussed below. (See Claim 8, herein; ECF No. 209 at 42.)
19

Significantly, Petitioner’s guilt and penalty phase testimony was grounded in the factual

20 record, and appeared coherent, rational, oriented, responsive, appropriate relative to the questions
21 asked, and demonstrative of an ability to recall and recite events as they occurred. (See e.g., RT
22 3906-4141, 6977-81.) Petitioner apparently did not have problems understanding the
23 proceedings and his defense, as his noted testimony in aid of his defense suggests. While his
24 guilt phase persona contrasted markedly with the “madman” defense tactic in play during the
25 sanity phase, the state supreme court reasonably could find a tactical underpinning. (See e.g.,
26 ECF No. 209 at 61.)
27

Petitioner’s suggestion that his noted lucid and lengthy testimony at the guilt phase be

28 discounted because it occurred five weeks prior to Dr. Owre’s sanity phase observation of
39

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1 decompensation reasonably could be rejected. Petitioner fails to show changed circumstances
2 relevant to competency during the intervening five weeks, and Dr. Owre’s testimony itself was
3 reasonably discounted by the state court. (See Claims 4, 5, 8; ECF No. 209 at 42.)

Moreover,

4 his sanity phase waivers of presence (during playing of a portion of the VESI videotapes) and
5 representation (by Lead Counsel in favor of representation by Second Counsel) reasonably could
6 be seen as voluntary, knowing, and intelligent upon consultation with Counsel and colloquy with
7 the trial court, and not otherwise suggestive of trial incompetence, for the discussed below. (See
8 Claims 4, 5, 8, 19; see also ECF No. 209 at 59; Weaver, 26 Cal. 4 th at 948-52, 965-67; RT
9 4986-88, 5822-24).6
10

Neither the trial court nor Counsel raised a doubt as to Petitioner’s competence to stand

11 trial.

See Baal, 495 U.S. at 735; see also Sturgis v. Goldsmith, 796 F.2d 1103, 1109 (9th

12 Cir.1986) (“The defendant's demeanor and behavior in the courtroom can often be as probative
13 on the issue of his competence as the testimony of expert witnesses.”).

Contrary to the

14 suggestion of defense state habeas expert, Dr. Foster, that the cessation of Mellaril well before
15 trial left Petitioner at high risk for becoming psychotic again (see 1SHCP Ex. 37 at ¶ 31),
16 Counsel found Petitioner cooperative and able to understand the proceedings with Counsel’s
17 assistance (RT 4854-58). Counsel believed Petitioner to be competent for trial. (See 1SHCP Ex.
18 34 at ¶ 30; see also Williams, 384 F.3d at 608 (defense counsel’s opinion is particularly relevant
19 to the determination of competency).
20

None of the trial experts opined that the cessation of Mellaril more than a year before trial

21 alone suggested a doubt as to, or manifested in trial competency. (See Claims 4, 5, 8; see also
22 ECF No. 209 at 78-82.)

Although Petitioner suggested he was glad when Mellaril was

23 discontinued because “when he talks, he knows that it is him talking and not the medication”
24 (CT Confidential Records at 58), he told Dr. Matychowiak that Mellaril helped him sleep, but
25 had no effect on him otherwise (RT 6151-52).
26
27
28

6

In this Claim and others asserted herein, Petitioner seeks relief in relation to a Claim or allegation previously
denied by the Court. (See ECF Nos. 162 & 209.) To the extent construed as a request for reconsideration, the
request is denied for lack of support in the record, for the reasons stated. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 60(b); Harvest v.
Castro, 531 F.3d 737, 749 (9th Cir. 2008); Local Rule 230(j).

40

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1

Petitioner also points to evidence that at least two jurors at this trial noted his unkempt

2 appearance and suggested concern for their safety. (See ECF No. 210 at 61 citing 1SHCP Ex.’s
3 17 & 18 [Decl.’s of Jurors Rice and Haney, respectively].) However, the jurors’ suspicions that
4 during the sanity phase, Counsel made Petitioner look dirty and wild (id.), to the extent
5 admissible, reasonably could be seen by the state supreme court to acknowledge Counsel’s
6 express trial tactic of presenting a madman defense (see 1SHCP Ex. 34 at ¶ 11; ECF No. 209 at
7 61), rather than evidence of Petitioner’s trial incompetence.
8

At bottom, the noted record of Petitioner’s post-arraignment conduct and demeanor

9 reasonably suggested that he remained competent for trial, that: he understood and did not
10 disrupt courtroom proceedings, responded appropriately during testimony and colloquy with the
11 trial court, and rationally conferred with Counsel and participated in his defense. To the extent
12 Second Counsel observed any problems with Petitioner’s comprehension of what was going on
13 in the proceeding, her explanations ultimately appeared to resolve the matter. (See RT 4857-58.)
14

(B)

Findings and Opinions of Mental Health Experts at Trial

15

Petitioner argues mental health expert findings and opinions presented at trial

16 demonstrated trial incompetence.
17

However, the state supreme court reasonably could find the weight of the expert opinion

18 not to preponderate to prima facie trial incompetence. While all eighteen experts who examined
19 Petitioner prior to and during trial found him to present personality disorder, and six of those
20 experts also found him to present more severe symptoms of PTSD, psychosis, and schizophrenia,
21 none of the trial experts opined that Petitioner was incompetent to stand trial, as discussed below.
Petitioner’s Mental Health History

22

(1)

23

The seven mental health experts who testified to Petitioner’s family and personal mental

24 health history found that he was predisposed to mental illness, and presented with mental illness
25 that fell short of psychosis, schizophrenia, and PTSD. None opined incompetence.
26

Dr. Albert Raitt, a staff psychiatrist and director of the Butte County Mental Health

27 Program, testified that Petitioner’s family history included schizophrenia, predisposing Petitioner
28 to schizophrenia. (RT 4552-72.) Dr. Raitt noted that schizophrenia can be episodic. (RT 460041

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1 01.)
2

Dr. Robert Gardner, along with Drs. Alfred Owre, and Jack Tolchin testified as to their

3 evaluation of Petitioner in connection with his May 2, 1977 Humboldt County felony conviction
4 for assault with a deadly weapon against Bonnie Brown, an enhancing conviction admitted by
5 Petitioner at the capital trial. (CT 1630.). Dr. Gardner, a psychiatrist, evaluated Petitioner in
6 1977, found him of average to low average intelligence (RT 4737), depressed (RT 4720) and
7 possibly homicidal (RT 4723, 4745), and opined that Petitioner presented a probable psychotic
8 depressive reaction relating to an underlying psychiatric disorder (RT 4746). Significantly, Dr.
9 Gardner did not find hallucinations or delusions or PTSD or schizophrenia. (RT 4753, 4770-71.)
10

Dr. Alfred Owre, a psychiatrist, opined that when he examined Petitioner in 1977-1978,

11 he presented without psychiatric symptoms apart from distorted relationships with women. (RT
12 4788.) Dr. Owre, at that time, diagnosed Petitioner with passive aggressive personality with
13 depressive and sadomasochistic features, with aggressive sexuality toward adult women. (RT
14 4789.) Dr, Owre then found Petitioner of high normal intelligence (RT 4813), and free of
15 hallucinations or delusions or mental disorders (RT 4814). Although Dr. Owre, during his 1985
16 sanity phase testimony, observed Petitioner to present a chronic undifferentiated schizophrenic
17 condition, possibly due to discontinuance of antipsychotic medication (RT 4815-20), (RT 481718 20), the trial court and state supreme court reasonably found his mere in-court observations an
19 insufficient basis upon which to raise a doubt about competency. (See Claims 4, 5, 8; ECF No
20 209 at 42); see also Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 953-54.
21

Particularly, as the trial court noted, Dr. Owre had not personally examined Weaver since

22 1977, and his professional observations of Petitioner’s mental state were limited to ninety
23 minutes in the courtroom. (RT 4854-55.) The record shows that Counsel and the prosecutor
24 stipulated to the trial court’s discounting of Dr. Owre’s volunteered opinion that Petitioner was
25 then suffering symptoms of schizophrenia. (CT 1510.) Relatedly, this Court, in its prior order
26 denying Claims 8 and 9, found that the state supreme court was not unreasonable in denying
27 relief on Petitioner’s allegation that counsel provided ineffective assistance by failing to request
28 a second competency hearing mid-trial after Dr. Owre’s testimony. (ECF No. 214 at 26 n.3,
42

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1 citing ECF No. 209 at 42.)
2

Dr. Jack Tolchin, a psychologist, examined Petitioner in 1978, and opined that Petitioner

3 presented a passive aggressive personality with sadomasochistic features or depressive features
4 or both, and a personality disorder which was then in remission. (RT 4825, 4832, 4849.) Dr.
5 Tolchin did not find Petitioner psychotic (RT 4850).
6

Dr. George Chappell, a psychiatrist, along with psychologist Dr. Theodore Donaldson,

7 was appointed by the court in the Ventura County proceeding to opine on Petitioner’s sanity at
8 the time of those crimes. (RT 4859-63.) Dr. Chappell examined Petitioner in August 1981. (RT
9 4859-63.) Dr. Chappell noted that Petitioner claimed he was then daily taking 600 mg of
10 Mellaril, but showed no effects thereof. (RT 4863-64.) Petitioner also claimed a history of
11 amphetamine use. (RT 4876.) Dr. Chappell found Petitioner of average intelligence (RT 4908),
12 depressed, and possibly malingering or faking some symptoms (RT 4884).
13 diagnosed Petitioner with adjustment disorder with depression.

Dr. Chappell

(RT 4886.) Dr. Chappell

14 concluded that Petitioner was sane at the time of the May 1981 Ventura County crimes. (RT
15 4894.)
16

Dr. Donaldson examined Petitioner in July 1981. (RT 4915.). Dr. Donaldson noted

17 Petitioner might be fabricating his alleged auditory hallucinations and exaggerating other
18 symptoms. (RT 4924-26.) He observed that Petitioner was “very clear and articulate” during
19 conversation. (RT 4941.) Dr. Donaldson opined that Petitioner was sane at the time of the
20 Ventura crimes.

(RT 4925.)

Dr. Donaldson diagnosed Petitioner with mixed personality

21 disorder and depressive neurosis with a history of amphetamine abuse.
22 Donaldson did not find Petitioner to be schizophrenic.

(RT 4926.)

Dr.

(RT 4926.) Dr. Donaldson found

23 Petitioner’s 1982 interview with detectives Johnson and Davis regarding the capital crimes,
24 unavailable to him at the time of his 1981 opinion, was nonetheless consistent therewith. (RT
25 4948-49.)
26

Dr. Rolland Rose, a corrections department psychologist, evaluated Petitioner in late

27 1981, shortly after his conviction on the Ventura County crimes, found him of average
28 intelligence (RT 4963-72), and diagnosed him with a personality disorder, passive-aggressive
43

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1 personality with schizoid feature and sexual sadism (RT 4974) and intense hostility toward
2 women (RT 4976). Dr. Rose found no evidence of organic brain damage. (RT 4976.)
Petitioner’s Trial Defense Experts

3

(2)

4

The seven mental health experts retained for Petitioner’s sanity phase defense, all found

5 him to present with personality disorder or PTSD, six found evidence of schizophrenia, and three
6 found Petitioner insane at the time of the capital crimes. Still, none of these experts found
7 Petitioner incompetent, as discussed below.
8

Dr. Jack Shonkwiler, a psychiatrist then on probation with the California Board of

9 Medical Quality Assurance and practicing under a restricted license following a felony
10 conviction (RT 5021, 5156-57), examined Petitioner for sanity in August 1983 (RT 5026). Dr.
11 Shonkwiler noted Petitioner’s predisposition to schizophrenia based on his family history (RT
12 5092), and that Petitioner claimed he was then taking 25mg of Mellaril three times a day (RT
13 5070). Dr. Shonkwiler diagnosed Petitioner with a psychopathic personality disorder (RT 5169),
14 paranoid schizophrenia and PTSD (RT 5067, 5148). Dr. Shonkwiler found Petitioner insane at
15 the time of the capital crimes (RT 5148, 5192, 5232), manifesting an irresistible impulse and
16 diminished capacity (RT 5192, 5232). However, Dr. Shonkwiler conceded that his expert report
17 and addendum thereto did not consider Petitioner’s noted guilt phase testimony. (RT 5153.)
18

Dr. K. Edward Dietiker, a psychologist, examined Petitioner for sanity in September

19 1983. (RT 5437.) Dr. Dietiker observed that Petitioner exaggerated his fears and anxieties. (RT
20 5287.)

Dr. Dietiker diagnosed Petitioner with a psychosis (RT 5290), and paranoid

21 schizophrenia (RT 5293, 5427).

Dr. Dietiker suggested that under certain circumstances,

22 Petitioner would have difficulty conforming with the law. (RT 5429.)
23

Dr. Kathe Lundgren, a clinical psychologist, examined Petitioner for sanity in August

24 1983. Dr. Lundgren suggested that Petitioner may be faking some of his symptoms. (RT 589525 96.) Dr. Lundgren found Petitioner to present a severe personality disorder (RT 5356), with
26 symptoms of chronic undifferentiated schizophrenia (RT 5357).

Dr. Lundgren diagnosed

27 Petitioner with chronic undifferentiated psychosis and psychopathic personality. (RT 5896.) Dr.
28 Lundgren, who suggested Petitioner was a danger to the public (RT 5361-62), had no opinion
44

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1 whether Petitioner was sane or insane at the time of the capital crimes (RT 5898-99).
2

Dr. Byron Wittlin, a psychiatrist, evaluated Petitioner for PTSD in August 1984. Dr.

3 Wittlin observed that Petitioner presented with insane and paranoid delusions (RT 5226-32),
4 insane thinking (RT 5537), and psychotic behavior (RT 5541). Dr. Wittlin suggested that
5 Petitioner was schizophrenic as early as the time he entered the Army in 1967. (RT 5598-99.)
6 Dr. Wittlin diagnosed Petitioner with PTSD. (RT 5610.)
7

Dr. Clyde Donahoe, a psychologist, evaluated Petitioner for PTSD in August 1984. He

8 testified, based upon his interview with Petitioner and his review of Petitioner’s military records,
9 that Petitioner saw combat in Vietnam (RT 5683), and suffered PTSD as a result (RT 5677-81,
10 5701, 5713).
11

Dr. Harry Kormos, a psychiatrist, examined Petitioner for PTSD during the sanity phase

12 in February 1985, and found him mentally ill (RT 5947). Dr. Kormos diagnosed Petitioner with
13 schizophrenia of the paranoid type and chronic PTSD.

(Id.)

Dr. Kormos testified that

14 schizophrenics can be functional at times, showing no signs of mental illness (RT 5948, 5954),
15 and that stress can cause the schizophrenia to become more apparent (5949). Dr. Kormos
16 concluded that Petitioner was insane at the time of the capital crimes. (RT 5959.)
17

Dr. John Wilson, a psychologist, evaluated Petitioner for PTSD in February 1985, during

18 the sanity phase. (RT 5798-5800.) Dr. Wilson observed Petitioner’s long standing history of
19 mental illness. (Id.) Dr. Wilson found Petitioner to present with paranoid schizophrenia, PTSD,
20 and mixed personality disorder. (RT 5800-01.) Dr. Wilson opined that Petitioner was insane at
21 the time of the capital crimes. (RT 5820.)
22

(3)

Other Experts

23

The five non-defense team experts who testified at trial all found Petitioner to present

24 with personality disorder. Yet none of these experts found Petitioner insane or incompetent, as
25 discussed below.
26

As noted, psychiatrists Dr. Paul Cutting, and Dr. Francis Criswell evaluated Petitioner in

27 October 1982 for trial competence and sanity pursuant to appointment by the arraignment court.
28 Dr. Cutting testified at the sanity phase that Petitioner, in 1982, was fully oriented and responded
45

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1 appropriately, showing no memory difficulties. (RT 6046, 6062, 6351.) Dr. Cutting found
2 Petitioner to be of low-average intelligence. (RT 6072.) Dr. Cutting found Petitioner to present
3 with mental and emotional problems including atypical psychosis and schizoid personality
4 disorder. (RT 6047.) Dr. Cutting found Petitioner competent to stand trial (CT, Confidential
5 Records, at 11-12), and sane at the time of the capital crimes (RT 6048). Dr. Cutting testified
6 that his 1982 arraignment opinion was fully informed by the information then provided to and
7 considered by him. (RT 6090-91.)
8

Dr. Criswell testified at the sanity phase that Petitioner, in 1982, was oriented, responded

9 appropriately, and that notwithstanding claimed auditory and visual hallucinations, he did not
10 present any thought or psychic disorder or evidence of delusional thought. (RT 6353-54.) Dr.
11 Criswell stated that Petitioner indicated a history of psychiatric treatment (RT 6394) and claimed
12 he was then medicated, possibly with Mellaril (RT 6394-95). Dr. Criswell observed that while
13 Petitioner appeared mildly sedated, such sedation was not any “great handicap.” (Id.; see also
14 RT 6361.) Dr. Criswell found that Petitioner was of average intelligence. (RT 6365.) Dr.
15 Criswell found Petitioner’s claimed hallucinations to be unconvincing. (RT 6357, 6361; see also
16 RT 6395.)

Dr. Criswell found no evidence of psychosis. (RT 6357, 6361.) Dr. Criswell

17 concluded Petitioner suffered from a personality disorder (id.), was competent to stand trial (CT,
18 Confidential Records, at 20), and was sane at the time of the capital crimes (RT 6357-58).
19

Psychiatrists Drs. Francis Matychowiak and Richard Burdick evaluated Petitioner for

20 sanity in April 1984, pursuant to appointment by the court following entry of Petitioner’s NGI
21 plea. (RT 6127-28, 6239-41.) Dr. Matychowiak reviewed background information including
22 copies of medical reports by Drs. Criswell, Cutting, Donaldson, Chappell, Lundgren, and
23 Shonkwiler, as well as Kern County Sheriff’s reports and Superior Court testimony. (CT
24 Confidential Reports at 21.) Petitioner stated at that time he was no longer taking Mellaril and
25 that he used to take 600 mg. daily. (Id. at 23.) Dr. Matychowiak found Petitioner to be oriented
26 and responsive (RT 6132), and of low-average intelligence (RT 6133). Dr. Matychowiak found
27 Petitioner to present a personality disorder with a mixture of paranoid and antisocial traits. (RT
28 6134; see also CT Confidential Reports at 26.) Dr. Matychowiak opined that Petitioner was sane
46

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1 at the time of the capital crimes. (Id.) Dr. Matychowiak did not find Petitioner to be suffering
2 PTSD. (RT 6209.)
3

Dr. Burdick reviewed the same materials as Dr. Matychowiak as well as psychological

4 evaluations by Mary Cholet M.S. and Will Powers, Jr., M.S. and K. Edward Dietiker, Ph.D.;
5 psychiatrist Dr. Gardner who evaluated Petitioner in relation to the Humboldt County
6 proceeding; Kern County Sheriff’s reports, and information on the capital crimes and Petitioner’s
7 prior offenses. (CT Confidential Reports at 28.) Petitioner told Dr. Burdick that he had taken
8 Mellaril in the past. (Id. at 33.) Dr. Burdick observed Petitioner’s statements that he was not
9 then taking Mellaril; that Mellaril did not help him other than assisting with sleep; and that he
10 did not desire to take Mellaril. (RT 6284.) Dr. Burdick found Petitioner to be of low-average
11 intelligence (RT 6241), with no problems concentrating. (RT 6303.) Dr. Burdick found that
12 Petitioner’s complaints of auditory hallucinations were not consistent with mental illness. (RT
13 4262-63.) Dr. Burdick found that Petitioner presented with antisocial personality disorder. (RT
14 6243; see also CT Confidential Reports at 37.) Dr. Burdick found unpersuasive Petitioner’s
15 contention that he blacked out during the killing of Levoy. (RT 6266.) Dr. Burdick found
16 Petitioner sane at the time of the capital crimes. (RT 6244; see also CT Confidential Reports at
17 37.)
18

Dr. Mary Cholet, a psychologist who was a registered psychological assistant at the time

19 she evaluated Petitioner for the defense in August 1983, testified for the People at trial. Dr.
20 Cholet found Petitioner possibly learning impaired. (RT 6507.) Dr. Cholet found no evidence of
21 brain damage (RT 6417-21, 6430), schizophrenia (RT 6430), or thought disorder (RT 6507). Dr.
22 Cholet found Petitioner to present an antisocial personality disorder with characteristics of
23 borderline personality disorder. (RT 6431.) Dr. Cholet discounted Petitioner’s claimed auditory
24 hallucinations, finding no evidence of hallucinations. (Id.) Dr. Cholet discounted the possibility
25 Petitioner suffered PTSD. (RT 6476.)
26

(C)

Findings and Opinions of Mental Health Experts on State Habeas

27

Petitioner argues the findings and opinions proffered by his two state habeas experts, Dr.

28 Dale Watson and Dr. David Foster, preponderate to trial incompetence. Particularly, he points to
47

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1 the state habeas declaration of Dr. Foster, who examined Petitioner in September 1998, some
2 thirteen years after trial, and found Petitioner to be incompetent at the time of trial. (See 1SHCP
3 Ex. 37 at ¶¶ 7, 38; see also ECF No. 215 at 27, citing Taylor v. Davis, 164 F. Supp. 3d 1147,
4 1155 (N.D. Cal. 2016) (a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia coupled with suicide attempt and
5 institutionalization clearly raises a bona fide doubt that a defendant is competent for trial).)
6

Still, this Court previously observed the state supreme court reasonably could give

7 minimal weight to the habeas proffer opining trial incompetence. (ECF No. 209 at 44.) The
8 state supreme court reasonably could find Dr. Foster’s opinion of trial incompetence, the only
9 such opinion in the record, rendered nearly one and one-half decades after trial, not to be
10 preponderate evidence of prima facie trial incompetence given the weight of the undiscounted
11 opinions of the trial experts who contemporaneously examined Petitioner and did not find him
12 incompetent for trial. See Sully v. Ayers, 725 F.3d 1057, 1071 (9th Cir. 2013) (retroactive
13 determinations of incompetence generally are disfavored); Williams, 384 F.3d at 608; cf.
14 Sherwood v. Sherman, 734 F. App'x 471, 474 (9th Cir. 2018) (holding that district court erred in
15 rejecting psychologist's retrospective report regarding petitioner's competency to plead guilty
16 because report “was based wholly on evidence that was readily available to [counsel] at the time
17 of trial”).

Notably, Dr. Chappell observed that one’s mental state is best evaluated when

18 proximal to the interview. (RT 4904-05.) .
19

Furthermore, Dr. Foster did not review trial transcripts (see 1SHCP Ex. 37, Appx. A),

20 and thus failed to reconcile his conclusions with Petitioner’s lucid and lengthy trial testimony,
21 and unremarkable courtroom demeanor, or otherwise point to manifestations of incompetence in
22 the trial court record. Significantly, state habeas expert Dr. Watson examined Petitioner in 1997
23 and did not opine trial incompetence (1SHCP Ex. 36 at ¶¶ 42-45). Moreover, not every person
24 diagnosed with schizophrenia is incompetent to stand trial. Taylor, 164 F. Supp. 3d at 1156; cf.
25 People v. Pennington, 66 Cal.2d 508, 519 (1967) (concluding that substantial evidence of
26 incompetence to stand trial existed whenever a mental health professional “who has had
27 sufficient opportunity to examine the accused, states under oath with particularity that in his
28 professional opinion the accused is, because of mental illness, incapable of understanding the
48

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1 purpose or nature of the criminal proceedings being taken against him or is incapable of assisting
2 in his defense or cooperating with counsel[.]”).
3

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has stated that:

4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14

We also accord little weight to the competency assessments of [petitioner’s]
habeas corpus experts because they are based not upon medical reports
contemporaneous to the time of the preliminary hearings or trial, but upon
declarations submitted by [petitioner’s] friends and family and
neuropsychological testing conducted […] years after trial. We have previously
held that retrospective competency determinations, although disfavored, are
permissible when it is possible to make an accurate retrospective evaluation, for
example, by consulting contemporaneous medical reports. See Moran, 57 F.3d at
696. Without the benefit of such contemporaneous reports, the passage of time
and the difficulties inherent in evaluating the defendant's competence from a
written record reduce the likelihood of an accurate retrospective determination.
See Pate, 383 U.S. at 387, 86 S. Ct. 836 (concluding that no meaningful
retrospective competency determination could be made six years after trial).
[…]
Given the significant contemporaneous evidence of [petitioner’s] competence at
trial, supported by defense counsel's firm belief that [petitioner] was competent,
and the absence of persuasive evidence to the contrary, [petitioner] fails to
establish a violation of his right not to be tried and convicted while incompetent.

15
16 Williams, 384 F.3d at 609–10. The state supreme court reasonably could find the opinions of
17 experts rendered proximal to the capital crimes, could be weighted more heavily than opinions
18 provided more distal to the crimes. (See e.g., RT 4904-05.)
19

Additionally, the state supreme court reasonably could reject Petitioner’s suggestion the

20 state supreme court discounted Dr. Foster’s credibility based upon its unreasonable
21 determination of facts relating to the duration and extent of Petitioner’s treatment with Mellaril.
22 (See ECF No. 210 at 81-83, citing Earp v. Ornoski, 431 F.3d 1158, 1167, 1169-70 (9th Cir.
23 2005) (petitioner must have an opportunity to present live testimony so that the trier of fact can
24 judge credibility). The noted evidentiary record includes facts supporting Petitioner’s use of
25 Mellaril during the period 1981-1983, as stated by Dr. Foster. Petitioner’s suggestion the state
26 supreme court must have determined a shorter duration of medication with Mellaril and
27 thereupon discounted Dr. Foster’s credibility (see 1SHCP Ex. 37 at ¶ 31; ECF No. 214 at 20,
28 citing 1SHCP Ex. 36 at ¶¶ 7, 20; RT 5070, 6373), is at best only supposition.
49

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It follows that, “[g]iven the significant contemporaneous evidence of [Petitioner's]

1

2 competence at trial, supported by [Counsel’s] belief that [Petitioner] was competent, and the
3 absence of persuasive evidence to the contrary, [Petitioner] fails to establish a violation of his
4 right not to be tried and convicted while incompetent.” Williams, 384 F.3d at 610; Baal, 495
5 U.S. at 735; see also Vargas, 159 F.3d at 1168-69 (next friend failed to rebut state court's finding
6 petitioner was competent, which was “extremely well supported by expert opinions,
7 psychological testing, and [petitioner's] courtroom demeanor”).
8

(iii)

Unconstitutionality of State Standard for Trial Competence

9

Petitioner argues that Penal Code section 1367, by requiring that a defendant’s

10 incompetence be attributable to “a diagnosed mental illness[,]” runs contrary to Dusky, Drope,
11 and Godinez, which do not require a diagnosed mental illness or disorder. (ECF No. 210 at 7712 81 and state cases cited therein; see also Penal Code §1367(a); see also Benn v. Lambert, 283
13 F.3d 1040, 1051 n.5 (9th Cir. 2002) (“The addition, deletion, or alteration of a factor in a test
14 established by the Supreme Court also constitutes a failure to apply controlling Supreme Court
15 law under the “contrary to” clause of AEDPA.”); see also Drope, 420 U.S. at 171-72. Petitioner
16 argues “it is reasonable to assume” the state supreme court rejected Claim 3 based upon
17 application of the noted heightened standard set out in Penal Code section 1367.
18

However, the state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner failed to provide legal

19 authority supporting the argument section 1367 is contrary to clearly established federal law.
20 (See ECF No. 214 at 18-20, citing Hardy v. Chappell, 832 F.3d 1128, 1137 (9th Cir. 2016),
21 amended and superseded upon denial of rehearing by Hardy v. Chappell, 849 F.3d 803 (9th Cir.
22 2016) (California supreme court erred by employing a standard of review harsher than
23 Strickland).)

Petitioner has not pointed to clearly established federal law precluding

24 consideration of whether trial incompetency resulted from a mental disorder or developmental
25 disability.7 As noted, the clearly established federal law requires that a person whose mental
26
At the time of Petitioner’s trial, Penal Code section 1367(a) provided that “A
be tried or adjudged
27 punishment while that person is mentally incompetent. A defendant is mentallyperson cannotfor purposes of this to
incompetent
7

chapter if, as a result of mental disorder or developmental disability, the defendant is unable to understand the nature

28 of the criminal proceedings or to assist counsel in the conduct of a defense in a rational manner.”
50

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1 condition is such that he lacks the capacity rationally to understand the nature and object of the
2 proceedings against him, to consult with counsel, and to assist in preparing his defense, may not
3 be subjected to a trial. Anderson v. Gipson, 902 F.3d 1126, 1133 (2018) (citing Drope, 420 U.S.
4 at 171).
5

Petitioner has not proffered evidence that the state supreme court’s application of Penal

6 Code section 1367(a), to the facts and circumstances of his case, was contrary to or an
7 unreasonable application of the noted clearly established federal law. See Williams, 529 U.S. at
8 405, 413 (under § 2254(d)(1), the writ may issue only if the state-court adjudication resulted in a
9 decision that (1) arrives at a conclusion opposite to that reached by the Supreme Court on a
10 question of law or if the state court decides a case differently than this Court has on a set of
11 materially indistinguishable facts, or (2) identifies the correct governing legal principle from this
12 Court's decisions but unreasonably applies that principle to the facts of the prisoner's case).
13 Moreover, as Respondent observes, “the Missouri statute at issue in Drope required that a
14 defendant’s incompetence be the result of a “mental disease or defect.” (ECF No. 211 at 27,
15 citing Drope, 420 U.S. at 173.)
16

Particularly, Petitioner fails to demonstrate legally and factually why and how section

17 1367 limits the mental condition for trial incompetence under the clearly established federal
18 standard.

See Moran, 509 U.S. at 396; Dusky, 362 U.S. at 402; Drope, 420 U.S. at 171.

19 Notably, the Ninth Circuit has repeatedly reviewed state court application of section 1367
20 without finding constitutional error. See e.g., Stanley v. Cullen, 633 F.3d 852, 862 (9th Cir.
21 2011); Huu Thanh Nguyen v. Garcia, 477 F.3d 716, 724-25 (9th Cir. 2007); Deere v. Cullen, 718
22 F.3d 1124, 1126 (9th Cir. 2013) (citing Dennis, v. Budge, 378 F.3d 880, 890 (9th Cir. 2004)
23 (“The question . . . is not whether mental illness substantially affects a decision, but whether a
24 mental disease, disorder or defect substantially affects the prisoner's capacity to appreciate his
25 options and make a rational choice.”).
26

d.

Conclusions

27

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of the Claim was not

28 contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by
51

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1 the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the
2 evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d ). Petitioner has not
3 rebutted, by clear and convincing evidence, the presumption that the state supreme court’s
4 finding of competence was correct. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(e)(1).
5

Claim 3 shall be denied.

6

2.

Petitioner alleges that his serious mental illness renders him ineligible for execution, such

7
8
9

that his capital sentence violates his rights under the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments. 8 (ECF
No. 107 at 392-408.)
a.

10

habeas petition (Lod. Doc. 23 at 88-107), and summarily denied on the merits (Lod. Doc. 24).
b.

14

18
19

deterrence, and leads to unacceptable risk of wrongful execution, such that it violates the Eighth
Amendment. Atkins v. Virginia, 536 U.S. 304, (2002); Ford v. Wainwright, 477 U.S. 399,
(1986) (the federal Constitution “places a substantive restriction on the State’s power to take the
life of a mentally retarded offender”),
Execution of sixteen and seventeen-year-old offenders violates the [Eighth Amendment.

20
21

Roper v. Simmons, 543 U.S. 551 (2005).
c.

22

25
26
27
28

Analysis

Petitioner argues that he is ineligible for execution, re-arguing his noted alleged serious

23
24

Execution Incompetence

Execution of the mentally impaired fails to further any interest in retribution or

15

17

Legal Standard

(i)

13

16

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

The Claim was presented to the California Supreme Court in Petitioner’s second state

11
12

Claim 28

mental illness and relating impairments. He relies by analogy on clearly established federal law
prohibiting on Eighth Amendment grounds execution of the intellectually disabled (formerly
referred to as the mentally retarded). (See ECF No. 107 at 392-408 citing Atkins, Ford, and
Roper.) Based thereon, he argues that his mental impairments and mental illness are similar to
8

Petitioner states that he incorporates the factual basis of Claims 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. (ECF No. 107 at 393.)

52

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1 the mentally retarded persons and children protected from execution by Atkins, 536 U.S. at 320–
2 21, and Roper, 543 U.S. at 568–69.
Petitioner’s Indicia of Intellectual Disability

3

(i)

4

Petitioner argues that his noted mental illness leaves him intellectually disabled and

5 exempt from execution on that basis. He argues that, at the time of the capital crimes, his serious
6 mental illness and functional impairments left him intellectually disabled and volitionally
7 incapacitated and unable to control his behavior, and to reason, exercise judgment, plan, or
8 remember and accurately account for his behavior. (ECF No. 107 at 392-93, 405-06, citing
9 1SHCP Ex. 37 at ¶¶ 12, 14-15, 30, and 37; see also 1SHCP Ex. 36 at ¶ 44; Claims 3, 4, 5, 8,
10 herein.) He argues that, at the time of trial, his mental illness and impairments left him unable to
11 follow and participate in the proceedings, waive rights, assist counsel, testify accurately, and
12 display appropriate demeanor.

(Id.; see also ECF No. 210 at 237-51.) Especially so, he

13 suggests, given his alleged symptoms of withdrawal from the antipsychotic Mellaril during trial.
14 (ECF No. 210 at 247-48, citing Lockett v. Ohio, 438 U.S. 586, 605 (1978) (plurality opn.)
15 (requiring an individualized sentence where sentencer is not precluded from considering
16 mitigating evidence).
17

Petitioner argues that his alleged serious mental illness and impairments render his death

18 sentence unreliable and his execution without penological purpose. (ECF No. 210 at 237-51,
19 citing e.g., 1SHCP Ex.’s 17 & 18 (Decl. Jurors Rice and Haney, respectively.) Particularly, he
20 suggests that his death sentence is “grossly disproportionate to his personal moral culpability and
21 lacks penological justification.” (ECF No. 107 at 404, citing Gregg v. Georgia, 428 U.S. 153,
22 173 (1976) (joint opinion of Stewart, Powell, and Stevens, JJ.).) He suggests that given his
23 volitional incapacity, his death sentence lacks penological justification because neither
24 retribution nor deterrence would be served by his execution (ECF No. 107 at 406, citing Gregg,
25 428 U.S. at 183), such that “[his execution] fails to serve a legitimate penological purpose, [and]
26 is nothing more than the purposeless and needless imposition of pain and suffering, and hence an
27 unconstitutional punishment.” (ECF No. 210 at 251, citing Atkins, 536 U.S. at 319 (quoting
28 Enmund v. Florida, 458 U.S. 782, 798 (1982).)
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1

To support his claim of extending a ban on capital punishment to those with mental

2 illness, Petitioner argues that national public consensus generally opposes use of the death
3 penalty against defendants suffering from severe mental illness. (ECF No. 107 at 408.)
4

Petitioner argues in these regards that he is similarly situated to mentally disabled

5 murderers and murders under 18 years of age, who are categorically exempt from execution.
6 (ECF No. 107 at 405); see also ECF No. 210 at 228 citing Atkins, Roper. He observes that
7 “[n]ineteen of twenty states whose laws explicitly address the question of whether conduct the
8 defendant was powerless to avoid may serve as the basis for a death sentence have concluded
9 that it may not. In seventeen states, the trial court’s fact finding concerning the petitioner’s
10 volitional capacity would have shielded the applicant from all criminal responsibility and all
11 punishment.” (ECF No. 107 at 396-97 and state statutes cited therein; see also ECF No. 214 at
12 64-65, citing Clark v. Arizona, 548 U.S. 735, 749-51 (2006).) He argues that “no state has by
13 express legislative enactment rendered offenders who lacked sufficient capacity to conform their
14 conduct to the requirements of law eligible for capital punishment, [and] no court has ever so
15 construed the laws of any American state to permit such a result.” (ECF No. 107 at 402.)
16

(ii)

Preponderance of the Evidence

17

The state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner fails to demonstrate by a

18 preponderance of the evidence that he is intellectually disabled and exempt from execution on
19 that basis.
20

Atkins establishes that “the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution

21 forbid the execution of persons with intellectual disability.” Hall v. Florida, 572 U.S. 701, 704
22 (2014). In so holding, the Supreme Court recognized that “[n]ot all people who claim to be
23 [intellectually disabled] will be so impaired as to fall within the range of [intellectually disabled]
24 offenders.” Atkins, 536 U.S. at 317. Importantly, “Atkins did not provide definitive procedural
25 or substantive guides for determining when a person who claims [intellectual disability] falls
26 within the protection of the Eighth Amendment.” Hall, 572 U.S. at 718. Rather, the Supreme
27 Court left to the states “the task of developing appropriate ways to enforce the constitutional
28 restriction upon [their] execution of sentences.” Id. at 719, quoting Atkins, 536 U.S. at 317.
54

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1

In response to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Atkins, California enacted Penal

2 Code section 1376, defining intellectual disability as “the condition of significantly subaverage
3 general intellectual functioning existing concurrently with deficits in adaptive behavior and
4 manifested before 18 years of age.” Penal Code § 1376(a); see In re Hawthorne, 35 Cal.4th 40,
5 44 (2005). The California legislature derived this standard from clinical definitions cited in the
6 Atkins decision. See Atkins, 536 U.S. at 308 n.3; Hawthorne, 35 Cal.4th at 47 (noting that
7 California's definition of intellectual disability generally conforms to “the clinical definitions
8 referenced in Atkins.”). Intellectual disability is a question of fact based on state law, measured
9 by an assessment of the individual's overall capacity, and based on consideration of all relevant
10 evidence.

A court “shall not be bound by the opinion

Hawthorne, 35 Cal.4th at 49–50.

11 testimony of expert witnesses or by test results, but may weigh and consider all evidence bearing
12 on the issue of [intellectual disability].” Id. at 50.
13

Although the Constitution prohibits the execution of children and persons whose mental

14 illness renders them insane or intellectually disabled, it does not prohibit the execution of the
15 mentally ill. See Roper, 543 U.S. at 568–69; Atkins, 536 U.S. at 320–21; Ford, 477 U.S. at 410.
16 Nonetheless, Petitioner requests that this Court extend the clearly established federal law to
17 prohibit the execution of the mentally ill.
18

However, to extend the clearly established federal law to prohibit the execution of the

19 merely mentally ill would constitute a new rule of constitutional law. See Woodall, 572 U.S. at
20 426 (“AEDPA's carefully constructed framework would be undermined if habeas courts
21 introduced rules not clearly established under the guise of extensions to existing law.” Under
22 AEDPA, however, this Court cannot create new rules of constitutional law within the context of
23 a habeas petition by a state prisoner. See 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d)(1) (stating a federal court may not
24 grant habeas relief to a state prisoner unless the adjudication of his claim in state court “resulted
25 in a decision that was contrary to, or involved an unreasonable application of, clearly established
26 Federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court of the United States”); see also Cornwell v.
27 Warden, San Quentin State Prison, No. 206CV00705TLNKJN, 2018 WL 934542 at *129 (E.D.
28 Cal. Feb. 15, 2018) (same). Absent a decision from the Supreme Court barring the execution of
55

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1 mentally ill prisoners, the Court rejects Petitioner's Claim that he is exempt from execution
2 because he is mentally ill.
3

Petitioner concedes that “there is no Supreme Court case addressing the exact factual

4 issue here, (i.e., whether the Eighth Amendment permits the execution of severely mentally ill
5 offenders). (ECF No. 214 at 63.) Still, he argues that the Supreme Court's jurisprudential
6 methodology for determining whether, under the “evolving standards of decency,” a punishment
7 violates the constitutional prohibition of cruel and unusual punishments is well established. (Id.)
8 But he fails to point to clearly established federal law applicable to the facts and circumstances
9 of this case.
10

The Court finds Petitioner’s related argument, that a general constitutional standard may

11 be applied to differing fact patterns, falls short. (See ECF No. 214 at 63, citing Panetti, 551 U.S.
12 at 953 (Kennedy, J., concurring in judgment).) Especially so, as Petitioner acknowledges
13 California allows mitigation upon evidence of impaired mental capacity. (See ECF No. 107 at
14 402 citing Penal Code § 190.3; see also Claims 26, 31, herein.)
15

In any event, Petitioner’s Claim to execution ineligibility is premature. In Ford, the

16 Supreme Court held that the Eighth Amendment's prohibition against cruel and unusual
17 punishment prevents the execution “of one whose mental illness prevents him from
18 comprehending the reasons for the penalty or its implications.” 477 U.S. at 416-18. The
19 Supreme Court has since held that a Ford claim does not become ripe until execution is
20 imminent. See Burton v. Stewart, 549 U.S. 147, 154–55 (2007) (stating that “the claim of a
21 capital prisoner that he was insane and therefore could not be put to death was necessarily unripe
22 until the State issued a warrant for his execution”). As a result, while the Supreme Court has
23 assumed that Ford claims are habeas claims that ought to be included in a petition for writ of
24 habeas corpus, Ford claims are not required to be included in initial habeas petitions. See
25 Panetti, 551 U.S. at 943, 946–47 (holding that Ford claims raised after rejection of initial habeas
26 petitions do not constitute second or successive petitions); Stewart v. Martinez–Villareal, 523
27 U.S. 637, 645–46 (1998) (same).
28

District courts in the Ninth Circuit have dismissed Ford claims as premature when they
56

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1 are brought up prior to setting of an execution date. See Stanley v. Davis, No. C-07-4727 EMC,
2 2015 WL 435077 at *5 (N.D. Cal. Feb. 2, 2015) (district courts in the Ninth Circuit have
3 dismissed Ford claims as premature when they are brought up prior to an execution date.).
4

d.

Conclusions

5

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of the Claim was not

6 contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by
7 the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the
8 evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
9

Claim 28 shall be denied.

10

B.

Claims Alleging Trial Court Error

11

1.

Claim 5

12

Petitioner alleges the trial court erred by failing sua sponte to declare a doubt about and

13 redetermine Petitioner’s competency during trial, violating his rights under the Fourth, Sixth,
14 Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments.9 (ECF No. 107 at 65.)
15

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

16

The Claim was presented to the California Supreme Court on direct appeal (Lod. Doc. 1

17 at 224-31), and denied on the merits, as follows:
18
During presentation of the defense case at the sanity phase, Dr. Alfred Owre, Jr., a
psychiatrist, testified that he had examined defendant briefly in 1977 in prison to
determine defendant's parole suitability and had observed no evidence of
schizophrenia at that time. Dr. Owre then testified that seeing defendant across the
courtroom, it appeared defendant was out of touch with reality, that he was
suffering from chronic undifferentiated schizophrenia, and that he appeared to be
hallucinating. Defendant claims the trial court, after hearing this testimony,
should have halted the sanity hearing and initiated competency proceedings. The
court's failure to do so, defendant argues, violated several of his rights guaranteed
by the federal Constitution. In addition, defendant contends his defense counsel's
opposition to a competency hearing constituted ineffective assistance under the
state and federal Constitutions. We disagree.

19
20
21
22
23
24
25

The law in this area is settled. As noted, ante, trial of an incompetent criminal
defendant violates his or her right to due process. (Medina v. California, supra,
505 U.S. at p. 448 [112 S.Ct. at pp. 2578-2579]; People v. Hale, supra, 44 Cal.3d

26
27
28

9

Petitioner states that he incorporates the factual allegations set out in Claims 3, 4, 7, 8, and 11. (ECF No. 107 at
65-66.)

57

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1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24

at p. 539.) Section 1367, subdivision (a) states that a “defendant is mentally
incompetent ... if, as a result of mental disorder or developmental disability, [he]
is unable to understand the nature of the criminal proceedings or to assist counsel
in the conduct of a defense in a rational manner.” “ 'When the accused presents
substantial evidence of incompetence, due process requires that the trial court
conduct a full competency hearing. [Citation.] Evidence is ”substantial“ if it raises
a reasonable doubt about the defendant's competence to stand trial.' ” (People v.
Danielson (1992) 3 Cal.4th 691, 726 [13 Cal.Rptr.2d 1, 838 P.2d 729].) “The trial
judge's ruling regarding whether a competency hearing is required should be
given great deference. 'An appellate court is in no position to appraise a
defendant's conduct in the trial court as indicating insanity, a calculated attempt to
feign insanity and delay the proceedings, or sheer temper.' ” (Id. at p. 727, quoting
People v. Merkouris (1959) 52 Cal.2d 672, 679 [344 P.2d 1].)
The evidence in this case of defendant's alleged incompetence falls far short of
being substantial. Dr. Owre admitted his statements indicating his present belief
defendant was incompetent came from his observations of defendant's in-court
demeanor and not from any actual examination or testing of defendant. Dr. Owre
also admitted he had not seen defendant in the hallway before the court session,
smoking and conversing with his defense counsel, or seen defendant previously
testifying for more than a day, coherently and responsively answering questions.
The trial court concluded it had no doubt as to defendant's competency, stating: “I
just quite frankly don't believe that a doctor can from the witness stand, when he
is not examining a patient or not even observing a person except secondarily to
his testimony, can render an opinion like that on the witnesses stand....” Defense
counsel seemed to agree, noting for the court that defendant had been examined
by two psychiatrists and found competent.
On this record, we find the trial court's conclusion that Dr. Owre's testimony was
not substantial evidence establishing a doubt of defendant's competence is entitled
to deference on appeal. (See People v. Rodrigues, supra, 8 Cal.4th at p. 1111 [it
was significant the expert witness had not actually examined the defendant].)
Moreover, defendant fails to mention an important fact critically undermining his
claim: the trial court had already declared a doubt as to defendant's competence at
the time of the arraignment, had suspended proceedings, and had defendant
examined by two psychiatrists. The parties submitted the matter, and the trial
court found defendant legally competent. “Once a defendant has been found
competent to stand trial, a second competency hearing is required only if the
evidence discloses a substantial change of circumstances or new evidence is
presented casting serious doubt on the validity of the prior finding of the
defendant's competence. [Citations.]” (People v. Medina (1995) 11 Cal.4th 694,
734 [47 Cal.Rptr.2d 165, 906 P.2d 2].) Dr. Owre's brief observation regarding
defendant's competence does not address whether there had been a substantial
change in circumstances. Accordingly, we agree with the trial court that Dr.
Owre's testimony did not raise a reasonable doubt as to defendant's competence,
and his testimony thus did not comprise substantial evidence of incompetence
necessitating a hearing.
Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 952–54.

25
b.

Legal Standard

(i)

Trial Court Error

26
27
Trial court error violates due process where it renders the resulting criminal trial
28
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1 fundamentally unfair. Chambers v. Mississippi, 410 U.S. 284, 294, 303 (1973).
2

“Federal habeas petitioners are not entitled to habeas relief based on trial error unless

3 they can establish that it resulted in actual prejudice.” Davis v. Ayala, 576 U.S. 257, 267 (2015)
4 (quoting Brecht, 507 U.S. at 637). “Under this test, relief is proper only if the federal court has
5 grave doubt about whether a trial error of federal law had substantial and injurious effect or
6 influence in determining the jury’s verdict.” Id. at 267–68 (quoting O’Neal v. McAninch, 513
7 U.S. 432, 436 (1995)); see also Beardslee v. Brown, 393 F.3d 1032, 1041–44 (9th Cir. 2004)
8 (applying Brecht’s harmless error test to an Eighth Amendment error based on the improper
9 consideration of invalid aggravating factors).
Trial Incompetence – Procedural Due Process

10

(ii)

11

The conviction of a legally incompetent defendant violates the Due Process Clause of the

12 Fourteenth Amendment. Cooper, 517 U.S. at 354; Cacoperdo v. Demosthenes, 37 F.3d 504, 510
13 (9th Cir. 1994). A defendant is incompetent to stand trial if he lacks sufficient present ability to
14 consult with his lawyer with a reasonable degree of rational understanding, or lacks a rational as
15 well as factual understanding of the proceedings against him. Indiana v. Edwards, 554 U.S. 164,
16 170 (2008) (quoting Dusky, 362 U.S. 402); see also Moran, 509 U.S. at 396; McMurtrey v.
17 Ryan, 539 F.3d 1112, 1118 (9th Cir. 2008); Douglas v. Woodford, 316 F.3d 1079, 1094 (2003).
18

Furthermore, if at any time during the trial, the trial court becomes aware of

19 circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to have a “bona fide doubt” as to the
20 defendant's competence, the trial court must suspend the proceedings and conduct a hearing to
21 determine the defendant's competency. Pate, 383 U.S. at 385; accord Maxwell, 606 F.3d at 568.
22 In Drope, moreover, the U.S. Supreme Court held that “[e]ven when a defendant is competent at
23 the commencement of his trial, a trial court must always be alert to circumstances suggesting a
24 change that would render the accused unable to meet the standards of competence to stand trial.”
25 420 U.S. at 181; accord Maxwell, 606 F.3d at 574.
26

A state court’s determination that the evidence was insufficient to require a competency

27 hearing is a finding of fact that entitled to deference. Davis v. Woodford, 384 F.3d at 644; §
28 2254(d)(2). In reviewing whether a state trial judge should have sua sponte conducted a
59

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1 competency hearing, a federal court may consider only the evidence that was before the trial
2 judge. United States v. Lewis, 991 F.2d 524, 527 (9th Cir. 1993); see also McMurtrey, 539 F.3d
3 at 1119; Davis, 384 F.3d at 645.
4

Trial incompetency, if demonstrated, is structural error not amenable to harmless error

5 analysis under Brecht, 507 U.S. at 619, but rather necessitating automatic reversal. See Walters,
6 309 F.3d at 593 (quoting Neder, 527 U.S. at 7).
7

c.

Analysis

8

Petitioner argues the evidence before the trial court was sufficient to raise a bona fide

9 doubt about his competence to stand trial, and trigger an evidentiary hearing thereon. (ECF No.
10 107 at 66; ECF No. 210 at 83, citing Penal Code §§ 1367-70; Odle v. Woodford, 238 F.3d 1084,
11 1087 (9th Cir. 2001) (“[A] trial judge must conduct a competency hearing whenever the
12 evidence before him raised a bona fide doubt about the defendant’s competence to stand trial,
13 even if defense counsel does not ask for one.”); see also ECF No. 210 at 84 citing de Kaplany,
14 540 F.2d at 983) (the test for a bona fide doubt is “whether a reasonable judge, situated as was
15 the trial court judge whose failure to conduct an evidentiary hearing is being reviewed, should
16 have experienced doubt with respect to competency to stand trial.”)
17

As noted, under state law, “[a] defendant is mentally incompetent ... [if] the defendant is

18 unable to understand the nature of the criminal proceedings or to assist counsel in the conduct of
19 a defense in a rational manner.” Penal Code § 1367. Also, when a compet ency hearing has
20 already been held and defendant has been found competent to stand trial, however, a trial court
21 need not suspend proceedings to conduct a second competency hearing unless it is presented
22 with a substantial change of circumstances or with new evidence casting a serious doubt on the
23 validity of that finding. People v. Lawley, 27 Cal. 4th 102, 136 (2002) (quoting People v. Kelly,
24 1 Cal. 4th 495, 542 (1992)).
25

(i)

Competence Redetermination

26

Petitioner argues the state supreme court’s denial of the Claim on direct appeal on

27 grounds “the evidence did not disclose a substantial change of circumstances or new evidence
28 casting serious doubt on the validity of the prior [competency] finding” (see ECF No. 210 at 94
60

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1 (citing Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 952-55) ignores crucial facts in the record and misapprehends and
2 is contrary to clearly established federal law that a competency hearing is required if a
3 reasonable judge would have found a bona fide doubt of competence (see Torres v. Prunt, 223
4 F.3d 1103, 1108 (9th Cir. 2000); see also de Kaplany, 540 F.2d at 979-80 (citing Pate, 383 U.S.
5 at 385-86) (courtroom demeanor, indicating alertness and understanding, alone could not be
6 relied upon to establish competency and justify “ignoring the uncontradicted testimony of
7 Robinson's history of pronounced irrational behavior.”).
8

Particularly, Petitioner argues the state supreme court’s denial of the Claim was an

9 unreasonable determination of the facts. He argues that court ignored or failed to give proper
10 weight to evidence supporting a doubt as to trial competence based upon new facts and changed
11 circumstances apparent in the wake of the prior finding of competence by Drs. Cutting and
12 Criswell. (ECF No. 210 at 95-96 citing Drope, 420 U.S. at 179.) He points to evidence that:
13
14

•

The 1983 discontinuance of his anti-psychotic medication, Mellaril, which
he had been taking for approximately two years, led to the mental
decompensation he experienced in the middle of trial, as evidenced by Dr.
Owre’s testimony. (ECF No. 210 at 96, citing Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at
954.)

•

His 1982 confession to Kern County Sheriff’s Sergeants Gary Davis and
Glen Johnson was made while he was under the influence of Mellaril.
(ECF No. 210 at 84 citing RT 122-23, 144-45.)

•

His 1982 arraignment competency evaluations took place while he was
sedated with Mellaril, was delusional and hearing voices, was depressed,
and had the affect of a subdued child.” (ECF No. 107 at 67; CT
Confidential Records at 8-12, 13-20.)

•

The judge assigned the trial in 1984 knew or should have known that the
1982 arraignment judge and defense counsel expressed doubt as to
Petitioner’s competency for trial. (ECF No. 210 at 84 citing RT Sept. 29,
1982 at 2-4; CT 206-208.)

•

The trial court knew Petitioner had been taking anti-psychotic medication
(i.e., Mellaril) since 1981 and that against Petitioner’s wishes the drug had
been discontinued by the time of trial and Petitioner had been moved
from his regular housing to a dark isolation cell, whereupon Petitioner
showed signs of confusion, delusion, and suicidal thought process. (ECF
No. 210 at 84-85 citing RT 199-217; see also RT 233-34; 246-80; RT
1541-42, 3499-3501, 3549-51, 3826, 4857-58.)

•

His deteriorating appearance and demeanor was apparent during trial and
affected the jury’s ability to deliberate fairly. (ECF No. 107 at 68; see also

15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28

61

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ECF No. 210 at 86 citing RT 3951; 1SHCP Ex.’s 17 & 18 [Decl. Jurors
Rice and Haney, respectively]; RT 4815-21 [testimony of Dr. Owre].)

1
2

•

His sanity phase testimony described his ongoing hallucinations and
suicidal ideations. (See Claims 3, 4, herein; see also ECF No. 210 at 86
citing RT 4512-13; RT 5822-24.)

•

Sanity phase experts Drs. Shonkwiler, Wilson, and Kormos, opined that
Petitioner suffered PTSD and was schizophrenic and insane at the time of
the capital crimes. (See e.g., ECF No. 210 at 87-88 citing RT 5067, 5148,
5232, 5800-02, 5820, 5947, 5959.)

•

Kern County jail inmates observed Petitioner talking to himself, crying,
and wetting his bed around the time of trial. (ECF No. 210 at 89 citing RT
5716-21, 5723-27.)

3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

The question is whether a reasonable judge, “situated as was the trial court judge,” should

11 have experienced a “good faith” or “substantial doubt” regarding the defendant's competence.
12 Stanley, 633 F.3d at 860 (quoting deKaplany, 540 F.2d at 983). A “good faith” or “substantial
13 doubt” exists “when there is substantial evidence of incompetence.” Deere v. Woodford, 339
14 F.3d 1084, 1086 (9th Cir. 2003), as amended on denial of reh'g (Oct. 2, 2003) (citing Cuffle v.
15 Goldsmith, 906 F.2d 385, 392 (9th Cir.1990)). Whether a defendant is capable of understanding
16 the proceedings and assisting counsel depends on “evidence of the defendant's irrational
17 behavior, his demeanor in court, and any prior medical opinions on competence to stand trial.”
18 Drope, 420 U.S. at 180. None of these factors is determinative, but any one of them may be
19 sufficient to raise a reasonable doubt regarding competence. Id.
20

Here, the state supreme court reasonably could defer to the trial court’s implicit

21 determination that Petitioner’s behavior, demeanor and testimony, and the medical opinion
22 before and during trial, did not demonstrate a substantial change of circumstances or new
23 evidence casting a serious doubt on the validity of the prior competency determination during
24 arraignment. Lawley, 27 Cal. 4th at 136; see also People v. Medina, 11 Cal.4th 694, 734 (1995)
25 (citing People v. Jones, 53 Cal. 3d 1115, 1153-54 (1991)) (general assertion of defendant’s
26 worsening condition and inability to cooperate with counsel inadequate to justify second
27 hearing).
28

The trial court personally observed and interacted with Petitioner throughout the course
62

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1 of the trial including the taking of pleas and rights waivers. See People v. Lawley, 27 Cal. 4th
2 102, 136 (2002) (citing People v. Jones, 53 Cal.3d 1115, 1153 (1991)) (a trial court may
3 appropriately take into account its own observations in determining whether the defendant's
4 mental state has significantly changed during the course of trial).
5

Drs. Cutting and Criswell, at the time they examined Petitioner in October of 1982,

6 considered his noted alleged psychotic symptoms. They were aware he was taking Mellaril and
7 observed at most his mild sedation as a result of the medication. To the extent Petitioner argues
8 discontinuation of Mellaril as a changed circumstance impacting competence, it appears that
9 none of the trial experts tethered discontinuance of Mellaril to Petitioner’s competence for trial,
10 or found him incompetent for trial. Petitioner himself downplayed Mellaril’s effect on him,
11 suggesting at most that it made him sleepy
12

Notwithstanding Petitioner’s claims of confusion, delusion, and suicidal ideations, neither

13 the trial court and Counsel observed change in Petitioner’s cognition or irrational behavior after
14 Mellaril was discontinued. At no time did Counsel or the prosecutor find reason to request re15 determination of trial competence. See, e.g., Hernandez v. Ylst, 930 F.2d 714, 718 (9th Cir.
16 1991) (“We deem significant the fact that the trial judge, government counsel, and [the
17 petitioner's] own attorney did not perceive a reasonable cause to believe [the petitioner] was
18 incompetent.”); United States v. Clark, 617 F.2d 180, 186 (9th Cir. 1980) (fact that the
19 defendant's attorney considered the defendant competent to stand trial was significant evidence
20 that defendant was competent); Cornwell, 2018 WL 934542 at **124–25.
21

Dr. Owre’s noted testimony regarding his courtroom observation of decompensation

22 reasonably could be discounted by the trial court, for the reasons stated. (ECF No. 209 at 42;
23 Weaver, 26 Cal.4th at 953-54.) As discussed above, the state supreme court reasonably could
24 have attributed Petitioner’s apparently deteriorating appearance and demeanor to trial tactics,
25 rather than trial competence. (See ECF No. 209 at 61.)
26

Furthermore, the state supreme court reasonably could find the opinions of the noted

27 three defense trial experts, that Petitioner was schizophrenic, suffered PTSD, and was insane at
28 the time of the crimes, not a new circumstance or evidence as to trial competence. None of these
63

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1 three experts opined Petitioner was incompetent for trial, or explained how their diagnosis
2 affected, if at all, Petitioner’s ability rationally to understand his capital proceeding and assist
3 counsel in his defense. Notably, Petitioner’s claimed auditory hallucinations were longstanding
4 and unchanging prior to and after arraignment and continuing to trial.
5

Significantly, Dr. Matychowiak, who evaluated Petitioner in 1984 in conjunction with his

6 plead of NGI, stated that based upon his review of Petitioner’s prior mental health evaluations
7 and his examination of Petitioner in 1984, Petitioner’s condition looked much the same, without
8 any change or evidence of deterioration. (RT 6170.)
9

As discussed above, the state supreme court reasonably could find that the weight of the

10 undiscounted expert findings and opinions at trial did not raise a doubt as to Petitioner’s
11 competency to stand trial. See de Kaplany, 540 F.2d at 583-84 (“We are not prepared to assert
12 that in every trial in which the sanity of the defendant is contested there must exist a good faith
13 doubt which requires a hearing on competency.”).
14

To the extent Petitioner’s incompetency allegations raise only state law error, such error

15 is unsupported, and not alone a basis for federal habeas relief. Estelle v. McGuire, 502 U.S. 62,
16 67-68 (1991); see also Claims 3, 4, 8, herein.
17

(ii)

Actual Prejudice

18

Petitioner argues that “[h]ad the trial court fulfilled its sua sponte duty by suspending

19 criminal proceedings, appointing separate and independent mental health experts to evaluate
20 petitioner, and holding an inquiry into petitioner’s competence, it would have found petitioner
21 incompetent to stand trial.” (ECF No. 107 at 70.)
22

Assuming arguendo the trial court erred by failing sua sponte to declare a doubt about

23 and redetermine Petitioner’s competency during trial, the state supreme court reasonably could
24 find no actual prejudice arising therefrom. That court reasonably could find on the evidence
25 before it, that Petitioner was not incompetent at trial and there was no structural error in this
26 regard, for the reasons stated. (See Claims 3, 4, 8, herein; see also Brecht, 507 U.S. at 619;
27 Walters, 309 F.3d at 593.
28

d.

Conclusions
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1

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of the Claim was not

2 contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by
3 the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the
4 evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
5

Claim 5 shall be denied.

6

2.

7

Petitioner alleges that the trial court erred by denying his motions for change of venue

Claims 10 and 12

8 (Claim 10) and jury sequestration (Claim 12), violating his rights under the Fifth, Sixth, Eighth
9 and Fourteenth Amendments. (ECF No. 107 at 232, 265-70.)
10

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

11

Claim 10 was presented to the California Supreme Court on direct appeal (Lod. Doc. 1 at

12 79-83), and that court denied it on the merits, stating that:
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
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Citing prejudicial pretrial coverage of his trial in the local media, defendant
moved for a change of venue from Kern County. In support, he submitted to the
trial court a survey of public opinion about the case and 12 articles from the
Bakersfield Californian, the area's major newspaper. After a hearing, the trial
court denied the motion. Defendant now claims the trial court erred.
The applicable principles are settled. A trial court should grant a change of venue
when the defendant demonstrates a reasonable likelihood that in the absence of
such relief, he cannot obtain a fair trial. (People v. Jennings (1991) 53 Cal.3d 334,
359 [279 Cal.Rptr. 780, 807 P.2d 1009]; People v. Williams (1989) 48 Cal.3d
1112, 1125 [259 Cal.Rptr. 473, 774 P.2d 146].) On appeal, “we make an
independent determination of whether a fair trial was obtainable.” (Jennings,
supra, at p. 360; People v. Balderas (1985) 41 Cal.3d 144, 177 [222 Cal.Rptr.
184, 711 P.2d 480].) To make that decision, we examine five factors: the nature
and gravity of the offense, the nature and extent of the news coverage, the size of
the community, the status of the defendant in the community, and the popularity
and prominence of the victim. (People v. Douglas (1990) 50 Cal.3d 468, 495 [268
Cal.Rptr. 126, 788 P.2d 640].)
Because this is a capital case and a double murder, the nature and gravity of the
offense tilts strongly in favor of granting a change of venue, although this factor is
not dispositive. (People v. Jennings, supra, 53 Cal.3d at p. 360.) The size of the
community is relatively neutral; as defendant asserts, Kern County is “neither
large nor small.” At the time of trial, the county had a population exceeding
450,000 and Bakersfield, where the trial was held, had a population of 200,000.
The key consideration is “whether it can be shown that the population is of such a
size that it 'neutralizes or dilutes the impact of adverse publicity.' ” (Jennings,
supra, at p. 363, quoting Lansdown v. Superior Court (1970) 10 Cal.App.3d 604,
609 [89 Cal.Rptr. 154].) As explained, post, the adverse publicity in this case was
neither relentless nor virulent. The moderate size of Kern County thus does not
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undermine the trial court's decision to deny the change of venue motion.
Both defendant and the victims were strangers to the community, and neither held
any position of prominence or popularity. Although defendant argues the fact that
the victims were a young couple starting their life together and were “religious,
church-going people” necessarily enhanced their status in the community, nothing
in the record suggests these factors had any effect on the jury pool.
The nature, extent, and penetration of the news coverage, especially from the
Bakersfield Californian, was the most heavily litigated of the five factors.
Defendant contends the press coverage “flowed evenly for months, was
vituperative in nature, pandered to base instincts, and referred to innuendoes that
never proved true but which severely prejudiced [defendant].” By contrast,
respondent argues “[t]he coverage of the murders in the newspaper in question
was factual, not sensational.” The truth lies somewhere between these two
characterizations.
Defendant submitted 12 articles from the Bakersfield Californian. They ranged
from a short mention on February 7, 1981, of Radford's murder and Levoy's
disappearance (Man Found Beaten To Death On Desert Highway), to an article
on July 28, 1982, reporting that defendant had been linked to the crimes (San
Quentin Inmate Linked To Kern Homicide Victim), to a June 7, 1983, article
describing defense attorney's request for a pretrial gag order (Gag Order Asked In
Murder Trial). The period of time in which the 12 articles were published was 29
months, hardly a flood of information. Jury selection began on October 9, 1984,
16 months after publication of the last article submitted by defendant. This
interval suggests that any possible prejudice flowing from the press coverage was
blunted by the passage of time.
With two significant exceptions, the 12 articles are largely factual and not
sensational, although the reader is naturally swayed by reports of the anguish of
the victims' friends and relatives. Two articles went beyond mere factual
reporting. On August 12, 1982, the Bakersfield Californian published an article
bearing the headline Suspect Expresses Regret At Raping Virgin. The article noted
Levoy was “good-looking,” a Mormon, and a virgin. Defendant was reported as
regretting raping her because “he thought that meant she wouldn't go to heaven.”
The same article noted that in addition to the two murders and kidnapping,
defendant was charged with rape, sodomy, and oral copulation, charges that were
later dropped.
Then, on Sunday, May 29, 1983, the main headline on the front page of the
Bakersfield Californian stated, Man Boasts About His Killings; the subheading
read, Trucker Suspected In Rapes, Murders Of Two Dozen Hitchhikers. The
article reported on revelations from “court documents” that defendant had told
cellmate Ricky Gibson that “although it takes a long time to strangle someone, it's
exciting, very exciting, to watch a woman turn blue after she has taken her last
breath.” (Defendant later testified at trial he generally exaggerated his crimes to
Gibson to appear more dangerous and intimidating, and that he did not realize he
was strangling Levoy, but blacked out when she bit him. He specifically denied
telling Gibson that he liked to watch women turn blue when they were dying.)
The article continued, reporting that “law enforcement officers in seven states
suspect [defendant] may be involved in as many as two dozen hitchhiker
homicides,” including “numerous rapes.” Defendant has not, however, been
charged with or convicted of any other hitchhiker-related crimes, with the
exception of his crimes against David Galbraith and Michelle D., discussed post,
which occurred after Radford's and Levoy's murders.
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The same article reported that in one incident, when defendant drove off with
Michelle D. and raped her, he “kept her for several days, raping and sodomizing
her in the sleeper compartment of his truck-trailer rig as he drove to his home in
Oroville. [¶] He locked her in the closet in Oroville, taking her out only for sex.”
This lurid tale proved largely untrue, as the victim's own testimony at the penalty
phase shows.
In short, neither defendant's nor respondent's characterization of the publicity
leading up to the trial is accurate. Two newspaper articles that went well beyond
mere factual reporting created a potential for prejudice. These articles emphasized
the more sensational aspects of the case, aspects that the evidence presented at
trial showed were either not true or not proved. Did publication of these two
articles tip the balance, requiring the trial court to grant defendant's motion for a
change of venue?
We conclude they did not. Although the potential for prejudice was certainly
present, almost 17 months had elapsed from the time of the most inflammatory
article to the commencement of jury selection. More importantly, the evidence of
public opinion presented by defendant's own expert demonstrated that the effect
of the two sensationalistic articles was minimal. Defendant employed Terry
Newell, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist, to conduct a poll of public opinion. Of
377 persons contacted at random, only 187, or 53 percent, had even heard of the
case. Of those 187 persons, only 18 percent recalled defendant was suspected of
crimes in other states, 14 percent thought their knowledge of the case would affect
their verdict if they were to serve on defendant's jury, and 17 percent already
thought he was guilty. The survey, moreover, was conducted on July 22-24, 1983,
more than a year before jury selection began. Because the record does not indicate
additional articles were published, we assume the public's recollection of the case
diminished over time.
Examination of the voir dire proceedings also supports the conclusion that pretrial
publicity failed to penetrate the public's consciousness to such an extent as to
compromise defendant's ability to obtain a fair trial. Although many prospective
jurors averred they recalled something about the case, the vast majority assured
the court they could set aside their impressions and judge the case fairly.
Although defendant emphasizes the number of prospective jurors who recalled
something about the case, jurors need not be wholly ignorant of the facts of a
case. It is sufficient if the jurors can, as here, assure the court they can set aside
their prior impressions and render a decision based solely on the evidence
presented in court. (People v. Bean (1988) 46 Cal.3d 919, 941 [251 Cal.Rptr. 467,
760 P.2d 996].)
In sum, although the gravity and nature of the crime support a change of venue,
the size of the community is a neutral factor, and the status of both defendant and
his victims in the community supports a denial of a change of venue. The critical
factor, the extent and nature of the pretrial publicity, was-considering the totality
of the evidence-mildly supportive of a denial of a change of venue despite the
publication of two potentially prejudicial articles. Weighing all these factors, we
conclude the trial court correctly denied the motion. 3

26
27
28

--------------------FOOTNOTE-------------------n.3 We reject defendant's further contention that the short amount of time the jury
deliberated before reaching a guilt verdict (195 minutes), a sanity verdict (42
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4

minutes), and a penalty verdict (150 minutes) demonstrates “more than a
reasonable likelihood that the prejudicial pretrial publicity deprived [him] of his
due process right to a fair trial.” This was a case, after all, in which defendant
essentially confessed to the crimes and committed an equally reprehensible set of
crimes against similarly vulnerable victims (David Galbraith and Michelle D.)
just months after his attacks on Radford and Levoy. Hence, even in the absence
of any publicity, a relatively short deliberation time, based on the evidence
presented, would not have been unexpected.

5

--------------------END FOOTNOTE--------------------

1
2
3

6
7 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 905–08.
8

Claim 12 was presented to the California Supreme Court in Petitioner’s second state

9 habeas petition (Lod. Doc. 23 at 38-60), and summarily denied on the merits and on procedural
10 grounds, (Lod. Doc. 24).
11

b.

Legal Standard

12

(i)

Trial Court Error

13

The standard for trial court error is set out in section VII, B, 1, b, (i), herein.

14

(ii)

15

The Sixth Amendment secures to criminal defendants the right to trial by a fair and

Trial by a fair and Impartial Jury

16 impartial jury. Skilling v. United States, 561 U.S. 358, 377-78 (2010); Irvin v. Dowd, 366 U.S.
17 717, 722 (1961). The Constitution further provides that the trial shall occur “in the State where
18 the . . . Crimes . . . have been committed.” Art. III, § 2, cl. 3; see also U.S. Const., Amend. 6
19 (right to trial by “jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed ”).
20 “The Constitution’s place-of-trial prescriptions, however, do not impede transfer of the
21 proceeding to a different district at the defendant’s request if extraordinary local prejudice will
22 prevent a fair trial—a ‘basic requirement of due process.’ ” Skilling, 561 U.S. at 378.
23

Nevertheless, “juror impartiality, we have reiterated, does not require ignorance.”

24 Skilling, 561 U.S. at 381 (citing Irvin, 366 U.S. at 722) (jurors are not required to be “totally
25 ignorant of the facts and issues involved”; “scarcely any of those best qualified to serve as jurors
26 will not have formed some impression or opinion as to the merits of the case.”); Reynolds v.
27 United States, 98 U.S. 145, 155-156 (1879) (“[E]very case of public interest is almost, as a
28 matter of necessity, brought to the attention of all the intelligent people in the vicinity, and
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1 scarcely any one can be found among those best fitted for jurors who has not read or heard of it,
2 and who has not some impression or some opinion in respect to its merits.”).
3

To merit relief for violation of his due process rights due to pretrial publicity, petitioner

4 must demonstrate that the case is one in which prejudice is presumed, or he must demonstrate
5 actual prejudice. Skilling, 561 U.S. at 379, 385.
6

When pretrial publicity is at issue, “primary reliance on the judgment of the trial court

7 makes [especially] good sense” because the judge “sits in the locale where the publicity is said to
8 have had its effect” and may base her evaluation on her “own perception of the depth and extent
9 of news stories that might influence a juror.” Mu’Min v. Virginia, 500 U.S. 415, 427 (1991).
10

(A)

Presumed Prejudice

11

A presumption of prejudice is “rarely invoked and only in extreme situations.” United

12 States v. McVeigh, 153 F.3d 1166, 1181 (10th Cir. 1998) (partially overruled on other grounds
13 by Hooks v. Ward, 184 F.3d 1206, 1227 (10th Cir. 1999)). The Supreme Court has determined
14 that pretrial publicity so manifestly tainted a criminal prosecution that prejudice must be
15 presumed in only three cases: Rideau v. Louisiana, 373 U.S. 723 (1963); Estes v. Texas, 381
16 U.S. 532 (1965); and Sheppard v. Maxwell, 384 U.S. 333 (1966).
17

“The foundation precedent is Rideau.” Skilling, 561 U.S. at 379. In Rideau, the case

18 turned on an actual filmed confession broadcast to the entire community. 373 U.S. at 724.
19 “What the people [in the community] saw on their television sets,” the Supreme Court observed,
20 “was Rideau, in jail, flanked by the sheriff and two state troopers, admitting in detail the
21 commission of the robbery, kidnapping, and murder.” Id. at 725. “[T]o the tens of thousands of
22 people who saw and heard it,” the Supreme Court explained, the interrogation “in a very real
23 sense was Rideau’s trial—at which he pleaded guilty.” Id. at 726. The Supreme Court therefore
24 “d[id] not hesitate to hold, without pausing to examine a particularized transcript of the voir
25 dire,” that “[t]he kangaroo court proceedings” trailing the televised confession violated due
26 process. Id. at 726–727.
27

In the two cases to follow Rideau, the analyses and holdings turned on the massive media

28 interference with court proceedings and the constant and pervasive media coverage during trial.
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1 See Skilling, 561 U.S. at 379-80. In Estes, “extensive publicity before trial swelled into
2 excessive exposure during preliminary court proceedings as reporters and television crews
3 overran the courtroom and ‘bombard[ed] . . . the community with the sights and sounds of the
4 pretrial hearing. The media’s overzealous reporting efforts, we observed, ‘led to considerable
5 disruption’ and denied the ‘judicial serenity and calm to which petitioner was entitled.’” Id.
6 (quoting Estes, 381 U.S. at 536). In Sheppard, the Supreme Court noted that “bedlam reigned at
7 the courthouse during the trial and newsmen took over practically the entire courtroom,”
8 thrusting jurors “into the role of celebrities.” 384 U.S. at 353, 355. Pretrial publicity consisted
9 of “months [of] virulent publicity about [the defendant] and the murder.” Id. at 354. Ultimately,
10 the Supreme Court “upset the murder conviction because a ‘carnival atmosphere’ pervaded the
11 trial.” Skilling, 561 U.S. at 380 (quoting Sheppard, 384 U.S. at 358). This result follows from
12 “[t]he theory of our system [that] conclusions to be reached in a case will be induced only by
13 evidence and argument in open court, and not by any outside influence, whether of private talk or
14 public print.” Patterson v. Colorado, 205 U.S. 454, 462 (1907); see also Doe v. Rose, No. CV15 15-07503-MWF-JCX, 2016 WL 9107137 at *2 (C.D. Cal. Sept. 30, 2016).
16

(B)

Actual Prejudice

17

The standard of “actual prejudice” examines the jury voir dire to determine if,

18 notwithstanding jurors’ assurances of impartiality, the record compels an inference that jurors
19 were not impartial. Murphy v. Florida, 421 U.S. 794, 799-803 (1975).
20

A court must determine from the record of voir dire if the jurors demonstrated actual

21 partiality or hostility which could not be set aside. See e.g., Fetterly v. Paskett, 163 F.3d 1144,
22 1147 (9th Cir. 1998) (examining jurors’ responses during voir dire and finding no substantial
23 evidence of actual prejudice).
24

c.

Analysis

25

(i)

Change of Venue

26

Petitioner argues the state supreme court unreasonably denied Claim 10, applying state

27 law which, he argues, was insufficient to vindicate his rights under the noted clearly established
28 federal law. (ECF No. 210 at 148 citing Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 905-08.) He argues a reasonable
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1 likelihood the trial court erred in denying his motion for change of venue, and that the error had a
2 substantial and injurious effect on the jury’s deliberations. (ECF No. 107 at 237.)
California law provides that, “[a] motion for change of venue or continuance shall be

3

4 granted whenever it is determined that because of the dissemination of potentially prejudicial
5 material, there is a reasonable likelihood that in the absence of such relief, a fair trial cannot be
6 had.” Maine v. Superior Court, 68 Cal. 2d 375, 383 (1968). The factors to be considered in
7 granting or denying a motion for change of venue are: “1) the nature and gravity of the offense,
8 2) the size and nature of the community, 3) the status of the victim, 4) the status of the defendant,
9 5) the nature and extent of the publicity.” Martinez v. Superior Court, 29 Cal. 3d 574, 578
10 (1981).
11

The record reflects that on August 31, 1983, Counsel filed a motion to change venue that

12 argued and appended: the July 1983 Public Opinion Survey prepared by psychologist Terry
13 Newell; and twelve (12) articles from the major local newspaper, the Bakersfield Californian,
14 spanning the period February 7, 1981 to June 7, 1983. On September 6, 1983, Second Counsel
15 argued the motion, asserting that highly prejudicial newspaper, television, and radio coverage,
16 including false information and information that would be inadmissible during trial, made a fair
17 and impartial trial impossible. (September 6, 1983 RT at 2-16; see also ECF No. 107 at 233; CT
18 312-340.) The trial court denied the motion on September 21, 1983. (CT 376-377.)
19

Petitioner, in this Claim, argues extensive and ongoing adverse and prejudicial pretrial

20 publicity including false and inadmissible information fed to the media by law enforcement
21 tainted the residents of Kern County such that they could not be fair and impartial.10 (ECF No.
22 107 at 232; ECF No. 210 at 146; see also CT 219-20, 256-57, 312-42.) He argues some of this
23 publicity was viewed by certain of the jurors close in time to the beginning of the jury selection
24 process in October 1984. (ECF No 107 at 233.)
Petitioner acknowledges that the factors for “status of the defendant” and “size of the

25

26 community” neither militated for or against a venue change. Petitioner, a long haul truck driver,
27
28

10

Petitioner states that he incorporates the factual allegations of Claims 6, 9 and 15 into Claim 10. (ECF No. 107 at
232.) Petitioner states that the factual allegations in Claims 1,2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 17 and 18 are incorporated
into Claim 12.

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1 was from Northern California with no ties to Kern County. (ECF No. 107 at 235.) Bakersfield
2 and the surrounding county was “neither large nor small” with “approximately 200,000 people
3 living in Bakersfield, with a county population of 450,000.” (ECF No. 107 at 235.)
4

Petitioner argues the balance of the factors required a venue change. He points to the

5 extreme gravity of the charged capital multiple murders and special circumstances. (ECF No.
6 107 at 235; see People v. Farley, 46 Cal.4th 1053, 1083 (2009) (a trial for multiple special
7 circumstance murders weighs in favor of a change of venue, but the fact that a defendant is
8 charged with multiple murders is not alone dispositive).
9

Petitioner points to evidence that: a pretrial survey conducted between July 22 and July

10 24, 1983, showed that over half of those eligible for jury service knew about the case and that
11 81.3% of those people had read about it in the Bakersfield Californian; of those who had heard of
12 the case, over one-third believed Petitioner was possibly an interstate rapist and killer; over one13 quarter believed the pretrial publicity would influence their deliberations and 69% believed
14 Petitioner should receive the death penalty if convicted; that despite the required presumption of
15 innocence, 31.5% of those asked believed Petitioner was guilty, 66.3% had no opinion, 1.1%
16 believed he was not guilty and 1.1% refused to provide their opinion. (ECF No. 107 at 236; ECF
17 No. 210 at 147 citing CT 319-340.) Predictably, he argues, half of the potential jurors who were
18 passed for cause, recalled the case. (ECF No. 107 at 235-37; ECF No. 210 at 148 citing Lod.
19 Doc. 3 at 2, n.1.)
20

Petitioner points to the sympathetic status of the victims who, while not residents of Kern

21 County, were portrayed in pre-trial articles in the Bakersfield Californian as young, lonely,
22 devoted to the Mormon church, engaged to be married and overcoming personal and family
23 problems. (ECF No. 107 at 234; CT 319-40.) He alleges the contents of an unopened and
24 undelivered Valentine’s card from victim Radford to victim Levoy, which was provided to the
25 public. (ECF No. 107 at 234.)
26

Petitioner points to allegedly pervasive publicity surrounding him and the crimes and

27 trial, exacerbated by evidence that residents of Bakersfield and the surrounding county were
28 “predisposed to the imposition of the death penalty.” (ECF No. 107 at 235; CT 319-40.) He
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1 suggests the noted pre-trial articles in the Bakersfield Californian included other inaccurate,
2 speculative and/or inadmissible information that: he had boasted about the killings and confessed
3 to the charges; he was a multi-state serial rapist and killer with at least twenty-four hitchhiker
4 victims; he had served in Vietnam where he blew up villages and loved that part of his service;
5 he, in a separate 1981 offense, shot a male hitchhiker in the head three times; and defense
6 counsel was “scrambling to make a deal” while the District Attorney promised to get a death
7 verdict. (ECF No. 107 at 233-35; ECF No. 210 at 146.)
8

Petitioner argues that as a result of such pervasive and prejudicial publicity, the jury was

9 against him. (ECF No. 107 at 237.) Particularly, he points out that: following the three week
10 guilt phase, the jury reached their verdict in 3 hours and 15 minutes; following the 6 week sanity
11 phase, the jury reached a verdict in 42 minutes; and following the two-day penalty phase, the
12 jury reached a verdict in 90 minutes. (ECF No. 107 at 235-37.)
13

However, the state supreme court reasonably denied the Claim. It is settled that “[t]he

14 [above noted Martinez] five factors, while useful for analytical purposes, should not be
15 considered exclusively . . . the United States Supreme Court has adopted a “totality of the
16 circumstances” approach, which we deem to be the correct standard for federal constitutional
17 purposes.” Mackey v. Asuncion, No. 15-CV-03165-HSG, 2018 WL 4680190 at *28 (N.D. Cal.
18 Sept. 28, 2018) (citing Murphy, 421 U.S. at 799); see also Patton v. Yount, 467 U.S. 1025, 1031
19 (1984) (same); Sheppard, 384 U.S. at 352-53 (same)
20

Mindful of the federal standard, the Court considers Petitioner’s claim that here, as in

21 Sheppard and Irvin, the extent and nature of the publicity surrounding the case created an
22 atmosphere that prevented a fair trial. (ECF No. 210 at 149.)
23

(A)

Presumed Prejudice

24

The state supreme court reasonably could reject claimed presumed prejudice. The media

25 coverage in this case was neither persistent nor pervasive. As that court noted, the twelve
26 articles appended to Counsel’s venue motion were “largely factual and not sensational” and
27 published over a period of twenty-nine months with the last article published sixteen months
28 prior to jury selection. Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 906-07. The state supreme court reasonably could
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1 find the potential for prejudice attenuated with the passage of time. See Skilling, 561 U.S. at 383
2 (“[U]nlike cases in which trial swiftly followed a widely reported crime . . . over four years
3 elapsed between Enron’s bankruptcy and Skilling’s trial.”); Yount, 467 U.S. at 1032-34 (passage
4 of time weakened or eliminated impact of publicity).
5

Petitioner concedes he and the victims were strangers to Kern County; there was no

6 apparent sympathy or outrage in these regards. Kern County was neither small nor large, with an
7 urban population of approximately 200,000 and a county-wide population exceeding 450,000.
8 (See CT 367, 376.) Moreover, the fiscal impact of the capital trial was not a matter of discussion
9 in Kern County.
10

Counsel’s own pretrial public opinion poll of [eligible Kern County jurors] fourteen

11 months before trial showed that only slightly more than half (i.e., 53%) of the 377 randomly
12 contacted persons knew of the case. (CT 319-40.) Of that 53%, only 14.2% thought their
13 knowledge of the case would impact their ability to be an impartial juror, and a mere 16.7%
14 thought Petitioner was guilty. (Id.)
15

Moreover, even if “heavy media coverage may have weighed in favor of a change of

16 venue, [it] did not necessarily require a change of venue . . . the risks created by the pretrial
17 publicity were significantly reduced, if not entirely eliminated, by the court's summoning of a
18 large venire and employment of a targeted and particularly careful jury selection process.”
19 Mackey v. Asuncion, No. 15-CV-03165-HSG, 2018 WL 4680190 at *30 (N.D. Cal. Sept. 28,
20 2018). The record reflects the trial court summoned over 250 prospective jurors, and vetted
21 them through use of a standardized set of voir dire questions included whether and the extent to
22 which potential jurors had heard of the case outside the courtroom. (See RT 304-3123.)
23

Finally, the duration of jury deliberation, on the facts and circumstances of this case, is

24 not alone a basis to find juror partiality, for the reasons stated. (See Claims 16, 17, 18, herein.)
25
26

(B)

Actual Prejudice

27

Furthermore, the state supreme court reasonably could find no actual prejudice.

28 Petitioner does not cite to facts in the record showing juror partiality or hostility that could not be
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1 set aside. (See ECF No. 107 at 232-37; ECF No. 210 at 146-50; ECF No. 214 at 38-39.)
2 Similarly, the record on voir dire of the empaneled and alternate jurors is not suggestive of actual
3 prejudice. (See RT 462-89, 592-615, 625-47, 779-801, 972-91, 992-1015, 1021-34, 1116-40,
4 1278-1301, 1405-28, 1743-65, 1889-1909, 2131-50, 2471-89, 2489-2505); see also Fetterly, 163
5 F.3d at 1147 (examining jurors’ responses during voir dire and finding no substantial evidence of
6 actual prejudice). As in Fetterly, the empaneled and alternate jurors in this case were not tainted
7 by publicity or opinion as to guilt. The state supreme court reasonably could find these jurors,
8 while not totally ignorant of the case and its facts, nonetheless based their verdict on the
9 evidence developed at trial and not the noted media coverage. See Irvin, 366 U.S. at 722.
10

(ii)

Jury Sequestration

11

Petitioner argues the state supreme court unreasonably denied Claim 12, revisiting his

12 above argument in support of change of venue. He argues a reasonable likelihood the trial court
13 erred by denying guilt phase jury sequestration on grounds the substance of prosecutor’s
14 allegedly prejudicial statements to the media were already in the public record. (ECF No. 107 at
15 269; see also RT 4326-27.)
16

But as Respondent observes (ECF No. 116 at 48 n.7), Petitioner’s Claim 12 asserts trial

17 court error that is unsupported in the factual record. Even considering the facts purportedly
18 incorporated in Claim 12, the state supreme court could reasonably deny the Claim, for the
19 reasons stated above and those that follow.
20

The trial court, in June 1983, more than a year prior to voir dire, twice imposed gag

21 orders. On June 8, 1983, the trial court ordered that the Kern County District Attorney’s office
22 including the District Attorney, all deputies, employees, and investigators, and defense counsel
23 including all employees and investigators, not discuss the merits of the case or any evidentiary
24 matters with any media. (June 8, 1983 RT at 7-8; see also CT 213-227, 243-246.)
25

On June 27, 1983, the trial court issued a second gag order that specified policing agencies not

26 talk to the media about the merits and the evidence of the case. (See June 27, 1983 RT at 2-5;
27 September 6, 1983 RT at 4, respectively; see also CT 266, 268.) Petitioner has not shown his
28 trial jury was prejudiced against him by virtue of media coverage of his case. (See Claim 10,
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1 herein.)
2

The state supreme court has stated that:

3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28

[Penal Code] Section 1121 provides, in relevant part, that “[t]he jurors sworn to
try an action may, in the discretion of the court, be permitted to separate or be
kept in charge of a proper officer.” It is well settled that under this statute and
prior case law, “sequestration is discretionary with the trial court even in capital
cases.” (People v. Bunyard (1988) 45 Cal.3d 1189, 1218, 249 Cal.Rptr. 71, 756
P.2d 795, accord People v. Gallego (1990) 52 Cal.3d 115, 169, 276 Cal.Rptr. 679,
802 P.2d 169; People v. Ruiz (1988) 44 Cal.3d 589, 616, 244 Cal.Rptr. 200, 749
P.2d 854.) “The trial court stands in the best position to evaluate the necessity of
sequestration in a particular case.” (Ruiz, at p. 616, 244 Cal.Rptr. 200, 749 P.2d
854.) “ ‘[I]n reviewing a trial court's denial of a defendant's motion for individual
sequestered jury selection, we apply the “abuse of discretion standard,” under
which the pertinent inquiry is whether the court's ruling “falls outside the bounds
of reason.” ’ [Citation.]” (People v. Perez (2018) 4 Cal.5th 421, 443, 229
Cal.Rptr.3d 303, 411 P.3d 490, quoting People v. Famalaro (2011) 52 Cal.4th 1,
34, 127 Cal.Rptr.3d 40, 253 P.3d 1185.)
Defendant argues, however, that in this case due process requires a higher
standard of review, principally relying on some general language found in
Sheppard v. Maxwell (1966) 384 U.S. 333, 86 S.Ct. 1507, 16 L.Ed.2d 600
(Sheppard), regarding the increasing prevalence of unfair and prejudicial media
coverage of pending trials that may impact a defendant's constitutional right to
“receive a trial by an impartial jury free from outside influences.” (Id. at p. 362,
86 S.Ct. 1507.) The high court stated that “trial courts must take strong measures
to ensure that the balance is never weighed against the accused” and “appellate
tribunals have the duty to make an independent evaluation of the circumstances.”
(Id., at pp. 362-363, 86 S.Ct. 1507.)
But this language from Sheppard was not directed at the standard of review of a
trial court's choice of method for ensuring the jury is not subject to any such
prejudicial influences from the media. Instead, the high court's observations were
made in the context of the defendant's failed attempt to obtain a change of venue
and the subsequent effect of the intense media presence and coverage on the jury
and the defendant's verdict. (Sheppard, supra, 384 U.S. at pp. 345-349, 86 S.Ct.
1507.) The high court was critical of the fact that the trial court in the Sheppard
case had allowed a table “within a few feet of the jury box and counsel” where
“sat some 20 reporters staring at Sheppard and taking notes” and that
“[p]articipants in the trial, including the jury, were forced to run a gantlet of
reporters and photographers each time they entered or left the courtroom.” (Id. at
p. 355, 86 S.Ct. 1507.) The court also pointed out that two of the sitting jurors
admitted to learning, during the trial, of “the highly inflammatory charge that a
prison inmate claimed Sheppard as the father of her illegitimate child.” (Id. at p.
357, 86 S.Ct. 1507.)
It was the extraordinary circumstances involved in the Sheppard case, where
“bedlam reigned at the courthouse,” because of the oppressive nature of the
media's presence both inside and outside the courtroom, resulting in a “carnival
atmosphere,” that triggered the finding of a constitutional violation. (Sheppard,
supra, at pp. 355, 358, 86 S.Ct. 1507.) Those circumstances do not exist here. We
conclude, therefore, in accordance with our prior case law, that a trial court's
decision whether to sequester a jury is subject to an abuse of discretion standard
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1

of review.

2 People v. Westerfield, 6 Cal. 5th 632, 682-83 (2019).
3

The Ninth Circuit has recognized that sequestration is a particularly dramatic remedy.

4 Levine v. U.S. Dist. Court for Cent. Dist. Of California, 764 F.2d 590, 600 (9th Cir. 1985). The
5 court in that case was particularly loath to require jurors, “especially in long trials” to “bear the
6 brunt of counsels' transgressions.” Id.
7

Here, the state supreme court reasonably could find the media coverage of the case was

8 not substantial or intrusive, for the reasons stated. Press coverage largely ebbed more than a year
9 prior to trial; gag orders had issued; Counsel was able to voir dire prospective jurors regarding
10 knowledge of the case; and the jury repeatedly was admonished and instructed regarding its duty
11 to decide the case solely based on the evidence presented. (See e.g., RT 3057, 3278-79, 3356,
12 3413, 3452, 3495-96; 3545-46, 3671, 3701, 3797-98; 3807, 3902, 3950, 3982-3983, 4058 4141,
13 4323, 4435, 4458, 4493, 4629, 4699, 4706, 4742, 4773, 4853, 4913-4914, 4982, 5081, 5158,
14 5201, 5362, 5626, 5733, 5882, 6007, 6174, 6310, 6406, 6462, 6541, 6563, 6585-86, 6699, 6755,
15 6854, 6922, 6949, 6982, 7056, 7062.) That court reasonably could find the trial court did not
16 abuse its discretion in denying sequestration.
17

Moreover, any state law error is not alone a basis for federal habeas relief. See McGuire,

18 502 U.S. at 67-68; Park, 202 F.3d at 1149. The state supreme court reasonably could find federal
19 law error, if any there was, to be no more than harmless. That court reasonably found the jury
20 did not engage in misconduct by considering matters outside the trial record. (See Claims 16,
21 17, 18, herein.)
22

d.

Conclusions

23

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of the Claims as trial

24 court error was not contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law,
25 as determined by the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in
26 light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
27

Claims 10 and 12 as trial court error shall be denied.

28
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3.

Claim 13

2

Petitioner alleges the trial court erred by admitting evidence from the backyard of his

3 home that was seized without warrant or voluntary consent, in violation of rights under the
4 Fourth Amendment, in turn violating his rights under the Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth
5 Amendments.11 (ECF No. 107 at 282-85.)
6

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

7

The California Supreme Court considered the Claim on direct appeal (Lod. Doc. 1 at 133-

8 37), and denied it on the merits and in part on procedural grounds, as follows:
9
Defendant moved to suppress the body of Barbara Levoy and other evidence
flowing from the discovery of her body, such as clothing, autopsy reports and
dental comparison evidence, claiming the search police conducted exceeded the
scope of the consent given by defendant's ex-wife, Barbara Weaver.7 A hearing
on the suppression motion was held on September 1, 1983. Sergeant Glen
Johnson testified that he and Sergeant Gary Davis traveled to defendant's Oroville
home after learning from inmate Ricky Gibson that defendant had told Gibson he
was guilty of a double murder and that one of the victims was buried in his yard.
They contacted Barbara Weaver at her home, explained the purpose of their visit,
and asked whether defendant had done any digging in the yard early in 1981. She
replied in the affirmative. Davis told defendant's ex-wife that police proposed to
dig in her yard to attempt to find the victim's body, and she consented orally. She
then signed the standard sheriff's office consent form, which states: “I consent that
Officer -- of the Kern County Sheriff's Department and deputies under his control
enter my residence and/or my motor vehicle(s) to search for evidence pertinent to
his investigation. [¶] I am giving this written permission to these officers freely
and voluntarily, without any threats or promises having been made, and after
having been informed by said officer that I have a right to refuse this search
and/or seizure.” The form is signed by Barbara Weaver; the names of Sergeants
Davis and Johnson are inscribed in the blank space.

10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

--------------------FOOTNOTE--------------------

21
22

n.7 By the time of the search some 18 months after the crime, defendant was in
prison for other crimes and his wife was in the process of divorcing him.

23

--------------------END FOOTNOTE--------------------

24
25

On cross-examination, Sergeant Johnson testified he had, on a few previous
occasions, added handwritten modifications to the standard consent form and had
the consenting person initial the changes. No particular reason existed why he
failed to modify the form in this case to specify he intended to dig up the yard.

26
27
28

11

Petitioner states that he incorporates the factual basis set forth in Claim 6. (ECF No. 107 at 283.)

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Barbara Weaver, defendant's ex-wife, also testified. She stated she signed the
consent form, and that some discussion took place about digging in the yard, but
“[i]t was just talk.” She understood her consent to include searching her residence
only. On cross-examination, she admitted the officers had told her they suspected
a body was buried in her yard and that they wished to search her yard, but she d id
not remember telling the officers they could dig up her yard. Once the officers
began digging, she was afraid to ask them to stop.
The trial court denied the suppression motion, saying: “I find the testimony of
[Barbara] Weaver to be incredible in certain aspects about the officers asking to
search the house for a body and she thought well, maybe there could possibly be a
body in the house but not in the yard when there was evidence that the defendant
had done some digging in the yard and she knew about the digging and even
pointed it out to the officers and cooperated with the officers in showing them
places where he had done some digging. Then her answers to some of the specific
questions as to what she said specifically, she would tense up each time and then
take quite a bit of time to answer those questions. [¶] I do not feel that she was
being truthful in answers to many of those specific questions as to what she said.
[¶] ... [¶] I believe the officer's testimony. I don't believe her testimony in certain
particulars when she indicates that she does not remember telling the officer
specific things and that she did not consent to the search of the yard, orally at
least, and so the motion to suppress is denied.”
Defendant contends the trial court erred, and that the search exceeded the scope of
Barbara Weaver's consent. He also contends her consent was involuntary. We
disagree.
“The standard of appellate review of a trial court's ruling on a motion to suppress
is well established. We defer to the trial court's factual findings, express or
implied, where supported by substantial evidence. In determining whether, on the
facts so found, the search or seizure was reasonable under the Fourth Amendment,
we exercise our independent judgment. [Citations.]” (People v. Glaser (1995) 11
Cal.4th 354, 362 [45 Cal.Rptr.2d 425, 902 P.2d 729].)
As with the Miranda issue discussed above, this issue turns on a credibility
determination made by the trial court. Sergeant Johnson testified Barbara Weaver
gave her consent to search the yard; she testified she gave no such consent. After
hearing both witnesses testify, the trial court specifically credited Sergeant
Johnson, noting Barbara Weaver tensed up and then took a long time to answer
certain questions. Evaluating such nonverbal factors in determining the credibility
of witnesses is a task uniquely for the trial court, as such factors are not apparent
from the face of the record. We thus defer to the trial court's decision in this
matter and find substantial evidence supports the court's decision that Barbara
Weaver consented to a search of her yard.
Defendant further contends his suppression motion should have been granted
because Barbara Weaver's consent to the search was involuntary. We agree with
respondent that defendant did not preserve this issue for appeal. A claim based on
the voluntariness of Barbara Weaver's consent appears nowhere in defendant's
moving papers, defense counsel's oral argument at the suppression hearing, or in
the trial court's oral decision. The issue is thus not properly before us. (People v.
Bradford, supra, 14 Cal.4th at p. 1038.)
Assuming the issue was preserved, we reject it on the merits. Six or seven officers
presented themselves at Barbara Weaver's home (Sergeants Davis and Johnson, as
well as four or five other officers who were there to dig), and defendant suggests
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2
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4
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they were an intimidating force. Although the state has the burden of proving that
Barbara Weaver's “consent was ... freely and voluntarily given,” and the “burden
cannot be discharged by showing no more than acquiescence to a claim of lawful
authority” (Bumper v. North Carolina (1968) 391 U.S. 543, 548-549 [88 S.Ct.
1788, 1792, 20 L.Ed.2d 797]), the prosecution satisfied this burden with evidence
of Barbara Weaver's signed consent form and her testimony that she freely
consented to a search of her house. Nothing in this record suggests Barbara
Weaver's free will was overborne by the searching officers. We thus reject
defendant's claim that her consent to search the yard was involuntary.

6 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 922–25.
7

b.

Legal Standard

8

(i)

Trial Court Error

9

The standard for trial court error is set out in section VII, B, 1, b, (i), herein.

10

(ii)

Fourth Amendment

11

“[W]here the State has provided an opportunity for full and fair litigation of a Fourth

12 Amendment claim, the Constitution does not require that a state prisoner be granted federal
13 habeas corpus relief on the ground that evidence obtained in an unconstitutional search or seizure
14 was introduced at his trial”. Stone v. Powell, 428 U.S. 465, 481-82 (1976); see also Newman v.
15 Wengler, 790 F.3d 876, 878-80 (9th Cir. 2015) (per curiam) (“Stone is still good law”);
16 Moormann v. Schriro, 426 F.3d 1044, 1053 (9th Cir. 2005) (“If the state has provided a state
17 prisoner the opportunity for full and fair litigation of his Fourth Amendment claim, we cannot
18 grant federal habeas relief on the Fourth Amendment issue.”)
19

c.

Analysis

20

Petitioner argues the trial court erred by denying his motion to “suppress evidence seized

21 from the backyard of his home by law enforcement officers acting without benefit of a warrant
22 and while acting outside the scope of a narrowly drawn consent.” (ECF No. 107 at 282.) He
23 argues consent to the search was not voluntary. (Id.)
24

The record reflects Counsel’s August 18, 1983 motion to suppress evidence seized from

25 Petitioner’s backyard. (CT 296-301,) The trial court, following suppression hearing, denied the
26 motion. (CT 420.)
27

Petitioner points to the [suppression hearing] testimony of his wife Barbara Weaver and

28 the written consent to search she gave authorities in 1982, that the search was to be limited to the
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1 house and did not extend to the backyard. (ECF No. 107 at 283; CT 401-415; see also CT 126,
2 301.) He argues Barbara Weaver was too intimidated to tell searching officers that she had not
3 consented to a backyard search, and that any consent to a backyard search was involuntary.
4

However, the state supreme court reasonably could deny the Claim.

5

(i)

6

Petitioner argues that Kern County Sheriff Glen Johnson testified falsely that Mrs.

Admitting Evidence from the Backyard Search

7 Weaver orally gave permission to dig in the yard before signing the consent form. He points in
8 support to Johnson’s concession that on previous occasions he had modified the form consent by
9 writing in additional terms that were initialed by the person from whom consent was sought, but
10 did not do so on this occasion. (ECF No. 107 at 283; see also CT 395-98.)
11

Petitioner argues that at the suppression hearing, the trial court “erroneously failed to

12 adhere to the controlling terms as specified in the written consent form and erroneously
13 expanded the area of the consent to include the backyard, resulting in a misapplication of federal
14 law concerning the protections against unreasonable searches and seizures guaranteed by the
15 Fourth Amendment[,]” denying him a full and fair hearing on the suppression motion. (ECF No.
16 107 at 285.)
17

However, the state supreme court reasonably could find the trial court did not err in

18 denying the suppression motion.

The suppression hearing record reflects the trial court’s

19 consideration of Barbara Weaver’s apparent nervousness and evasion in responding to questions
20 regarding the scope of her consent to the search. That court observed Barbara Weaver’s
21 responses reasonably suggested that she was aware the officers wanted to search for a body in
22 the backyard and would dismantle a wooden platform over the site and dig where the body
23 ultimately was found. That court observed Barbara Weaver showed the officers areas in the
24 backyard where Petitioner had been digging, and did not refuse consent to the backyard search,
25 and subsequently signed the consent form. (See CT 403-412; see also CT 101-102, 180.) Her
26 testimony that she believed the search would involve only the house because the attic was the
27 most likely place to conceal a body (CT 413), was based upon her surmise alone, and ran
28 contrary to the unimpeached testimony of law enforcement that she was informed the search
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1 would involve the backyard (see CT 401-421).
2

The state supreme court reasonably accorded deference to the trial court’s discounting of

3 Barbara’s Weaver’s credibility, apparent in the record, given her responses and demeanor during
4 the hearing, and the trial court’s finding that the police did not coerce Barbara Weaver’s consent
5 to the backyard search.

(CT 407-420; see also Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 924.) That court

6 reasonably found “substantial evidence support[ing] the court’s decision that Barbara Weaver
7 consented to a search of her yard.” (Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 924; see also CT 101-102, 180.)
8

Additionally, while Barbara Weaver testified to the alleged limited scope of her consent

9 to the search, she never testified that her consent to the officer’s search request was involuntary.
10 (See CT 401-420.)

The state supreme court reasonably found that on the totality of the

11 circumstances before it, Barbara Weaver freely consented to the backyard search and that her
12 free will was not overborne by the searching officers. See Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 922–25.
13

When the subject of a search is not in custody, the state must show voluntary consent;

14 voluntariness being a question of fact to be determined from all the circumstances. Schneckloth
15 v. Bustamonte, 412 U.S. 218 (1973); see also United States v. Escobar, 309 F. Supp. 3d 778, 784
16 (N.D. Cal. 2018) (citing Florida v. Jimeno, 500 U.S. 248, 251 (1991)) (the standard for
17 measuring the scope of consent under the Fourth Amendment is that of objective
18 reasonableness).
19

The determination whether consent to search is voluntary considers the need for the

20 search and the requirement there be no express or implied coercion. Schneckloth, 412 U.S. at
21 227. In determining whether consent is “free and voluntary” rather than the result of coercion or
22 duress, the Ninth Circuit considers factors such as whether compliance was sought versus
23 ordered; any efforts to mislead; number of officers present; day search versus night search; and
24 the maturity and emotional condition of the person giving consent. United States v. Alexander,
25 No. 12-CR-00118-YGR, 2013 WL 1821101 at *6 (N.D. Cal. Apr. 30, 2013) (citing United States
26 v. Brown, 563 F.3d 410, 415 (9th Cir.2010)); see also United States v. Sierra–Hernandez, 581
27 F.2d 760, 764 (9th Cir.1978) (the number of officers present is an element contributing to the
28 totality of circumstances reviewed to determine whether consent was freely and voluntarily
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1 given).
2

Here, the state supreme court reasonably could find Barbara’s Weaver’s consent was not

3 coerced by any implied threat or covert force. Schneckloth, 412 U.S. at 228. Nothing in the
4 record suggests the officers required compliance, misled Barbara Weaver in order to gain her
5 consent, conducted a nighttime search, or that her maturity and emotional state played a role in
6 the consent given. While Petitioner suggests Barbara Weaver was intimidated by the number of
7 searching officers, she expressed intimidation only in the context of her alleged belief they were
8 exceeding the limited scope of her consent; scope limitations the state supreme court reasonably
9 rejected on credibility grounds, for the reasons stated. (See CT 101-102, 180, 403-421; Claim 6,
10 herein; see also United States v. Yerger, 12 F.3d 1110 at *3 (9th Cir. 1993) (the objectively
11 reasonable standard includes an analysis of whether the suspect reasonably understood [her]
12 consent to extend to the search conducted.).
13

Notably, Barbara Weaver did not raise intimidation as to the voluntariness of her consent

14 ab initio. Barbara Weaver never testified that she consented to the search because she was
15 coerced by the searching officers to do so. (See CT 401-420.) Nor are there facts in the record
16 reasonably suggesting such coercion, or even that at the time of oral and written consent, Barbara
17 Weaver was aware of and considered the total number of searching officers.
18

(ii)

Harmless Error

19

The state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner failed to demonstrate that the

20 alleged trial court error was more than harmless. He argues that had “the physical evidence
21 found in [his] backyard and all of its fruits, including but not limited to his confession” been
22 suppressed, he would not have been convicted and sentenced to death. (CT 107 at 282.)
23 However, the state supreme court reasonably could have observed the substantial weight of the
24 guilt phase evidence offered by the prosecution including Petitioner’s confession to Gibson and
25 guilt phase testimony, and reasonably concluded otherwise. (See Claims 6, 7, 23, herein.)
26

Additionally, that court reasonably could find that Petitioner fully and fairly litigated the

27 alleged illegal seizure at the suppression hearing pursuant to Penal Code section 1538.5. (See
28 CT 296-301, 378-422.) He is not entitled to federal habeas relief on this ground. See Stone, 428
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1 U.S. at 481-82; see also Moormann, 426 F.3d at 1053 (“If the state has provided a state prisoner
2 the opportunity for full and fair litigation of his Fourth Amendment claim, we cannot grant
3 federal habeas relief on the Fourth Amendment issue.”) Petitioner’s suggestion that he was
4 denied a full and fair suppression hearing because Counsel was ineffective at the hearing (see
5 ECF No. 107 at 284-85) lacks merit for the reasons stated. (See Claims 6, 7, 23, herein.)
6

d.

Conclusions

7

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of the Claim was not

8 contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by
9 the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the
10 evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
11

Claim 13 shall be denied.

12

4.

13

Petitioner alleges the trial court erred by admitting his custodial statements to authorities

Claims 14, 25

14 confessing to the murders [Claim 14], and by using these statements to establish first degree
15 felony murder and in aggravation at the penalty phase notwithstanding lack of corpus delicti
16 [Claim 25], violating his right under the Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments. 12
17 (ECF No. 107 at 285-91, 363-68.)
18

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

19

Claim 14 was presented to the California Supreme Court on direct appeal (Lod. Doc. 1 at

20 111-32), and denied on the merits and in part on procedural grounds, as follows:
21
The information Ricky Gibson provided police regarding defendant's inculpatory
statements about the murders of Radford and Levoy led to the discovery that
Levoy's body was buried in defendant's backyard. This in turn led police to
defendant, who was at that time serving a sentence for unrelated crimes in San
Quentin State Prison. Police spoke to defendant on July 27 and 28, 1982, and on
August 2, 1982. The interviews on the latter two dates were tape-recorded. In
those interviews, defendant essentially confessed to the crimes of which he now
stands convicted. He claims on appeal that admission at trial of his statements to
police on those dates violated his rights under the state and federal Constitutions.
His primary claim is that police violated his rights as set forth in Miranda v.

22
23
24
25
26
27
28

12

Petitioner states that he incorporates into Claim 14 the factual basis for Claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9. (ECF No.
107 at 285.) Petitioner states that he incorporates into Claim 25 the factual basis for Claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11,
14, and 33. (ECF No. 107 at 364.)

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25
26
27
28

Arizona, supra, 384 U.S. 436 (Miranda). As we explain, he is mistaken.
a. The facts
Sergeants Gary Davis and Glen Johnson of the Kern County Sheriff's Department
testified they went to San Quentin State Prison on July 27, 1982, to speak to
defendant about a double homicide. Prison officials placed the two officers alone
with defendant in the security squad office. Sergeant Davis testified that at the
beginning of the 30-minute interview, he advised defendant of his Miranda rights,
reading from a preprinted form from the sheriff's office. Defendant replied
verbally that he understood his rights and would speak with the officers.
In this first interview, defendant stated he was not involved in the homicides.
Sergeant Davis advised defendant that this was his chance to talk to them, but that
they would be filing a report with the district attorney's office for a possible
complaint against defendant charging him with the murders. Davis also told
defendant he already had spoken with defendant's wife, son, mother, and father
about the crimes. Defendant then told Davis he wished to speak with his mother
and that, after doing so, he would advise Davis whether he wished to continue
their conversation. Defendant then requested that the interview cease, and the
officers withdrew. According to Sergeant Davis, defendant appeared alert and
coherent, and his answers were responsive to Davis's questions. At no time did he
indicate a desire to have an attorney present. Following this first interview, Davis
called defendant's parents' home and informed his father that defendant wished to
speak to his mother.
Sergeant Davis did not tape-record this first interview because he was not allowed
to enter the prison with his recording equipment, as the prison was in full
lockdown due to an in-prison disturbance. At the end of the interview, he spoke
with prison officials about his inability to record the interview with defendant.
The prison offered Davis the use of its own recording equipment should he return
for future meetings with defendant.
The next day, July 28, 1982, Davis and Johnson returned to the prison in the
morning but were unable to see defendant because he was meeting with his
mother. The officers eventually met with defendant in the afternoon, again in a
security squad office. This second interview was tape-recorded using the prison's
recording equipment. Davis testified that he again read defendant his Miranda
rights and defendant again stated he understood his rights and wished to speak to
the officers. He told the officers that he wanted to make a statement and would d o
so whether an attorney was present or not, and that he later wanted to testify in
court about how he had committed the homicides. Sergeant Davis denied
threatening defendant or promising him any benefits should he decide to speak
with them. The officers promised only to listen to defendant's entire story. During
this second interview, defendant admitted his involvement in the Radford and
Levoy murders. Defendant did not appear drowsy or sleepy, and his answers were
responsive to the officers' questions.
On cross-examination, Sergeant Davis specifically denied threatening to arrest
defendant's son if defendant refused to talk to them, denied threatening to arrest
someone close to defendant's family, and denied saying that he would not have
defendant's mother come to see him if defendant would not, afterwards, agree to
talk to police. Davis stated he advised defendant of his rights on the second day
while the tape recorder was running and did not advise him of his rights before
the tape recorder began. He repeated that defendant did not appear drowsy, and
that defendant's speech was not slurred or slow.
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Sergeant Glen Johnson essentially confirmed Sergeant Davis's testimony. Johnson
specifically corroborated Davis's testimony that Davis had read defendant his
Miranda rights before the interviews on July 27 and 28, 1982, and that defendant
did not appear sleepy or otherwise under the influence of drugs, although Johnson
recalled defendant had said he was “sedated.”
Sergeant Johnson further testified that he alone conducted a third interview with
defendant on August 2, 1982. The interview occurred in the same place as the first
two interviews. Johnson read defendant his Miranda rights from a card and
obtained defendant's agreement to talk. During this third interview, defendant
appeared fully aware of his surroundings and did not exhibit any excessive
movements or unusual perspiration. He was alert and responsive. Sergeant
Johnson testified he did not threaten to arrest defendant's son or other family
members. He did not recall hearing defendant say anything about wanting an
attorney present.
The defense called defendant's mother, Dorothy Weaver, to the stand. She
testified she had just visited her son in late July when police visited her and
informed her of defendant's possible involvement in the Radford and Levoy
murders. She decided to visit him again to hear the truth; she denied police
contacted her by telephone. She drove to San Quentin the next day with
defendant's sister, Katie S. When Mrs. Weaver spoke to defendant, he told her
police had informed him that if he did not cooperate, they would arrest his son as
well as another close loved one. His sister told defendant he should consult an
attorney before speaking with the police, but Mrs. Weaver simply urged
defendant to tell the truth.
The defense then called Katie S. to the stand. She confirmed her mother's
testimony regarding their visit with defendant, including Mrs. Weaver's testimony
that defendant said police had threatened to arrest defendant's son and a close
loved one unless he cooperated. In addition, she testified that when her mother
left to use the restroom, defendant told her the close loved one police had
threatened to arrest was his mother. Defendant seemed very agitated, and his body
was shaking. She told defendant not to talk to anyone until he conferred with a
lawyer. He replied that he had “no choice” and repeated that police would arrest
his son and mother. Defendant's son was 12 years old at the time.
Defendant then testified. He asserted that when the police first came to talk to him
at the prison, he was taking 600 milligrams of Mellaril a day to calm himself
down. The officers did not inform him of his Miranda rights at any time during
that first interview. When defendant denied having anything to do with the
crimes, the officers told him they did not have “time to mess around” and that
they would go to Oroville and arrest his son and another member of his family.
Not wishing to have his son arrested, defendant told them he wanted to speak with
his mother. If the police would arrange it, he agreed to speak to the officers after
speaking to his mother. He acknowledged the police officers did not tape-record
that first interview.
His mother and sister visited him the next day. While his mother was away from
the table, defendant told his sister that he believed police intended to arrest his
mother. After their visit, he met with the two officers. Before the tape recorder
was turned on, they read him his Miranda rights and he indicated he would like to
have an attorney present. He also said he wanted his invocation of his right to
counsel on the tape. Sergeant Johnson told him it was not necessary to put that
information on the tape because “everybody knows that you want an attorney
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present.” Defendant then went ahead without an attorney and gave a statement
because he did not want police to arrest his son or other family member.
On cross-examination, defendant confirmed he never put his invocation of his
right to counsel on the tape. He believed that had he done so, police would have
terminated the interview and arrested his son. He did not know of any reason why
police would arrest his son. He believed the threat to arrest a close family member
referred to his mother because “she is the only one that I am real close to.” He did
not know of any reason why police would arrest his mother.
Defendant testified that on the second day of interviews, police advised him of his
rights twice, once before the tape recorder was running and once after. Before the
tape was turned on, the police officers told him what to say in response to each
Miranda advisement. After the tape was turned on, defendant testified, he
repeated each response as instructed. Defendant admitted he knew he had the
right to an attorney and that one would be provided him should he so desire.
Defendant admitted the third interview was “somewhat” his idea and that he did
not invoke his right to counsel. Defendant did not remember whether the officer
had advised him of his rights, but he “knew better than to ask [for an attorney] on
tape.” He stated: “I wanted to make sure that they had everything they wanted so
they wouldn't arrest my son and other members of my family.”
On redirect, defendant stated that his son had helped him dig the hole in which
Levoy was buried and that was the reason he believed police might arrest him. He
averred the “main reason” he gave a statement to police was to protect his family.
The prosecutor then recalled Sergeant Davis, who reaffirmed that defendant had
never asked for an attorney and that he had never threatened defendant by saying
he would arrest his son. Sergeant Johnson, also recalled, similarly denied
threatening defendant with the arrest of his son.
After listening to the tapes and considering the briefing, the trial court ruled that
defendant had been properly advised of and waived his Miranda rights; that
despite his ingestion of prescribed drugs, his mental state was such that he could,
and did, give his statement intelligently, freely, and voluntarily; and that such
statement was not the product of any coercion stemming from a threat to arrest
defendant's family members. The court stated it was convinced of the
voluntariness of defendant's statement beyond a reasonable doubt.
b. The applicable law
The law is well settled. When reviewing a trial court's decision on a motion that a
statement was collected in violation of the defendant's rights under Miranda,
supra, 384 U.S. 436, we defer to the trial court's resolution of disputed facts,
including the credibility of witnesses, if that resolution is supported by substantial
evidence. (People v. Bradford (1997) 14 Cal.4th 1005, 1032-1033 [60 Cal.Rptr.2d
225, 929 P.2d 544].) Considering those facts, as found, together with the
undisputed facts, we independently determine whether the challenged statement
was obtained in violation of Miranda's rules (Bradford, supra, at p. 1033), that is,
whether (assuming the defendant was in custody) the statement was preceded by
the now-famous admonition of Miranda rights: the defendant has the right to
remain silent, any statement he might make can be used against him, he has the
right to the presence of an attorney, and an attorney will be provided at state
expense if he cannot afford one. (Dickerson v. United States (2000) 530 U.S. 428,
435 [120 S.Ct. 2326, 2331-2332, 147 L.Ed.2d 405].)
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If a custodial defendant requests counsel, all questioning must cease. (Edwards v.
Arizona (1981) 451 U.S. 477, 482 [101 S.Ct. 1880, 1883-1884, 68 L.Ed.2d 378].)
Statements made by a custodial defendant in the absence of Miranda warnings are
inadmissible in the prosecution's case-in-chief. (People v. Bradford, supra, 14
Cal.4th at p. 1033.) (7b) There is no dispute in this case that police were
interrogating defendant (see, e.g., Rhode Island v. Innis (1980) 446 U.S. 291 [100
S.Ct. 1682, 64 L.Ed.2d 297]) or that defendant was in custody. The only issues
are whether defendant was given Miranda warnings before giving his statements
on July 28 and August 2, 1982, whether he invoked his right to counsel, and
whether he was coerced into waiving his rights by threats to arrest his son and
another family member. We turn to those issues now.

7

c. Analysis

8

The difference in the testimony regarding whether Sergeants Davis and Johnson
read defendant his Miranda warnings was striking. The officers testified they read
defendant the Miranda warnings from a preprinted card. Defendant testified they
either did not read him his rights, or they suggested to him (while the tape
recorder was off) that should he invoke his rights, they would arrest his son.
Defendant's story was supported by the testimony of his mother and his sister.
The officers expressly denied such threats. We assume the trial court considered
the demeanor of the witnesses, as well as the interest each party had to tell the
truth. We also assume the trial court considered such factors as the likelihood that
police would threaten to arrest a 12-year-old boy for a double murder, the
likelihood they would threaten to arrest defendant's mother in the absence of any
evidence she was at all involved in the crimes, the inability of defendant to
explain why he believed the officers' alleged threat to arrest a close family
member was a threat to arrest his mother, the fact defendant waived his Miranda
rights on the tape recording, the tone of his voice on the tape, the evidence of his
medication, and the testimony describing his behavior, mood, and emotional state
during the interviews.

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All things considered, we conclude substantial evidence supports the trial court's
decision to credit the testimony of Sergeants Davis and Johnson that, before
interrogating defendant, they properly “Mirandized” him and obtained a waiver of
his rights. Substantial evidence also supports the trial court's decision to
disbelieve defendant, his sister, and his mother that police coerced defendant into
waiving his rights. This was a simple credibility determination for which we defer
to the trial courts.
Defendant raises a number of counterarguments, but all are speculative and do not
undermine the substantial nature of the evidentiary support for the trial court's
decision. He suggests the short duration of the first interview on July 27, 1982,
was somehow suspicious. Not at all: police testified that, on that day, defendant
denied involvement but agreed to speak with them again if he could first talk to
his mother. Defendant also argues the fact the first interview was not taperecorded is also suspicious. But Davis and Johnson explained the problem they
had bringing their own recording equipment into the prison, a problem that was
solved by the next day when they were able to use the prison's own recording
equipment.
Nor is it suspicious that Sergeant Davis states at the beginning of the tape of the
July 28 interview that “one of the things we talked about was advising you of
your rights and at this time I'm gonna advise you of your rights.” (Italics added.)
By saying “at this time” Davis did not, as defendant argues, necessarily mean that
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he had failed to read defendant his Miranda rights on the previous day.
Defendant further argues that the interviews on July 28 and August 2 were
“inextricably connected” with the interview on July 27 and, because police did
not read him his Miranda warnings on July 27, the subsequent interviews were
tainted by that illegality. The trial court found, however, that the officers had read
defendant his Miranda warnings on July 27, and substantial evidence supports
that decision, namely, the testimony of Sergeants Davis and Johnson. This
argument thus fails.
Defendant also contends that because he invoked his right to counsel on July 27,
subsequent interrogations without counsel were prohibited even if he was reMirandized. But implicit in the trial court's ruling that defendant executed a
sufficient waiver of his rights on July 27 is the conclusion that defendant did not
invoke his right to counsel at that time. Subsequent interrogations, therefore, were
permissible, provided defendant was re-Mirandized. That he was readmonished
before each interview with police is supported by substantial evidence.
Accordingly, the rule against interrogations following an invocation of counsel is
inapplicable.
d. Voluntariness
Miranda aside, defendant also contends admission at trial of the statements he
made to police on July 28 and August 2, 1982, violated his constitutional rights
because they were involuntarily made. An involuntary confession is inadmissible
under the due process clauses of both the Fourteenth Amend ment to the federal
Constitution (Jackson v. Denno (1964) 378 U.S. 368, 385-386 [84 S.Ct. 1774,
1785-1786, 12 L.Ed.2d 908, 1 A.L.R.3d 1205]) as well as article I, sections 7 and
15 of the California Constitution (People v. Benson (1990) 52 Cal.3d 754, 778
[276 Cal.Rptr. 827, 802 P.2d 330]). Threats to arrest family members, as
defendant claims occurred here, can render a subsequent confession involuntary.
(Lynumn v. Illinois (1963) 372 U.S. 528, 534 [83 S.Ct. 917, 920-921, 9 L.Ed.2d
922]; People v. Matlock (1959) 51 Cal.2d 682, 697 [336 P.2d 505, 71 A.L.R.2d
605].) “Under both state and federal law, courts apply a 'totality of circumstances'
test to determine the voluntariness of a confession. (Withrow v. Williams (1993)
507 U.S. 680, 693-694 [113 S.Ct. 1745, 1753-1755, 123 L.Ed.2d 407].)” (People
v. Massie (1998) 19 Cal.4th 550, 576 [79 Cal.Rptr.2d 816, 967 P.2d 29].)
Defendant raised the voluntariness issue below, and the trial court denied his
motion to suppress on this ground.

24

Although at present the state's burden is to prove the voluntariness of a confession
by a preponderance of the evidence, defendant's crimes occurred before the
enactment of article I, section 28, subdivision (d) of the state Constitution, the socalled Truth in Evidence provision that was added to the state charter by passage
of Proposition 8 in 1982. Accordingly, at defendant's trial the state was required
to show the confession was voluntary beyond a reasonable doubt. (People v.
Benson, supra, 52 Cal.3d at p. 770 & fn. 1; People v. Markham (1989) 49 Cal.3d
63, 65 [260 Cal.Rptr. 273, 775 P.2d 1042].)5

25

--------------------FOOTNOTE--------------------

26

n.5 We reject respondent's argument that “since the appropriate standard of proof
to be applied is a procedural question, the preponderance test applies to all
statements taken after June 8, 1982, regardless of when the crimes occurred.” We
held in People v. Smith (1983) 34 Cal.3d 251, 258 [193 Cal.Rptr. 692, 667 P.2d
149], that “Proposition 8 applies only to prosecutions for crimes committed on or

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after its effective date.” We have also expressed a view on the precise question of
the proper burden of proof, explaining that the date of the crime, and not the date
of the confession, is the controlling benchmark. (People v. Benson, supra, 52
Cal.3d at p. 770, fn. 1.)

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--------------------END FOOTNOTE-------------------On appeal, our role when reviewing the trial court's determination that a
confession was voluntary is similar to the standard applied in the Miranda
context: we independently examine the record, but, to the extent the facts conflict,
we accept the version favorable to the People if supported by substantial
evidence. (People v. Howard (1988) 44 Cal.3d 375, 394 [243 Cal.Rptr. 842, 749
P.2d 279].)
Defendant's argument that his statements to police on July 28 and August 2, 1982,
were involuntary is brief and no more persuasive than his Miranda-related claims.
He contends the threats to arrest his son as well as a close family member (that he
took to be a threat to arrest his mother) overcame his free will, causing him to
confess his crimes. In denying the motion to suppress, however, the trial court
implicitly disbelieved the testimony of defendant, his mother and his sister and
instead credited that of Sergeants Davis and Johnson that no such threats were
made. There is substantial evidence supporting this implied finding: both officers
directly and strongly denied issuing such threats, no such threats appear on the
tape recording of the interrogations, and the implausibility that police would arrest
a 12-year-old boy or Dorothy Weaver in the absence of any evidence of their
complicity in the crimes all support the trial court's decision.
Although defendant does not expressly make the argument here, to the extent he
suggests his statements were involuntary because at the time of the interviews
with police he was under the influence of medication, we reject that claim as well.
The due process inquiry focuses on the alleged wrongful and coercive actions of
the state, here Sergeants Davis and Johnson, and not the mental state of defendant.
(Colorado v. Connelly (1986) 479 U.S. 157, 165 [107 S.Ct. 515, 520-521, 93
L.Ed.2d 473].) Because the trial court determined that neither officer engaged in
wrongful conduct, the mere fact defendant was taking medication prescribed by
the prison medical staff is insufficient to establish a claim of involuntariness. (See
Clabourne v. Lewis (9th Cir. 1995) 64 F.3d 1373, 1379 [defendant's confession
not involuntary despite being under the influence of prison-prescribed Thorazine];
see also People v. Hendricks (1987) 43 Cal.3d 584, 591 [238 Cal.Rptr. 66, 737
P.2d 1350] [consumption of alcoholic beverages during interrogation did not
render confession involuntary].)

23 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th 914–22.
24

The California Supreme Court considered Claim 25 on direct appeal (Lod. Doc. 1 at 171-

25 82, 185-87), and denied it on the merits and in part on procedural grounds, as follows:
26
27
28

Based on his statements to police, defendant originally was charged with felonymurder special-circumstance allegations based on kidnapping, rape, and sodomy.
Because the decomposition of Levoy's body was too advanced to confirm that she
had been sexually assaulted, the only evidence of these sexual assaults came from
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defendant himself. Defendant moved to strike the two sex-crime-based specialcircumstance allegations, citing the corpus delicti rule, and the trial court granted
the motion.
As to the charged murder of Levoy, however, the prosecution proceeded on the
dual theories that defendant killed her after premeditating the crime and killed her
during the commission of a rape, i.e., on a felony-murder theory. Defendant now
contends the corpus delicti rule should prohibit permitting the jury to rely on a
felony-murder theory to elevate the degree of a homicide to the first degree, when
the only evidence of the sole qualifying felony (in this case, rape) comes from the
defendant's own statements. In the alternative, he claims that using his
uncorroborated admission he raped Levoy to establish the degree of the homicide
violates his rights under the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments to the federal
Constitution.
“The corpus delicti rule requires that the corpus delicti of a crime be proved
independently from an accused's extrajudicial admissions. [Citations.] 'The corpus
delicti of a crime consists of two elements, the fact of the injury or loss or harm,
and the existence of a criminal agency as its cause.' [Citation.] Such proof,
however, may be circumstantial and need only be a slight or prima facie showing
'permitting the reasonable inference that a crime was committed.' [Citation.]”
(People v. Jennings, supra, 53 Cal.3d at p. 364.) When the People have
established the corpus delicti of murder, a defendant's extrajudicial statements
may be admitted to prove an underlying felony for felony-murder purposes even
if the felony cannot be proved by evidence other than such statements. (People v.
Cantrell (1973) 8 Cal.3d 672, 680-681 [105 Cal.Rptr. 792, 504 P.2d 1256],
disapproved on another ground by People v. Flannel (1979) 25 Cal.3d 668, 684,
fn. 12 160 Cal.Rptr. 84, 603 P.2d 1].)11

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n.11 Although not at issue here, at the time of defendant's trial, the corpus delicti
rule applied to felony-based special-circumstance allegations (People v. Mattson
(1984) 37 Cal.3d 85, 93-94 [207 Cal.Rptr. 278, 688 P.2d 887]), a rule later
abrogated by statute (§ 190.41, enacted by Prop. 115, as approved by voters,
Primary Elec. (June 5, 1990)). The new rule is not retroactive. (People v. Ray
(1996) 13 Cal.4th 313, 341, fn. 13 [52 Cal.Rptr.2d 296, 914 P.2d 846].)

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Defendant concedes a long line of decisions has found the corpus delicti rule
inapplicable to felonies used to establish the degree of a homicide (People v.
Cooper (1960) 53 Cal.2d 755, 765 [3 Cal.Rptr. 148, 349 P.2d 964]; People v.
Miller (1951) 37 Cal.2d 801, 806 [236 P.2d 137] [“The corpus delicti of the crime
of murder having been established by independent evidence, ... extrajudicial
statements of the accused ... may be used to establish the degree of the crime
committed”]), but he contends the need for heightened reliability in capital cases
demands that we extend the protection of the rule to cases such as his. He also
argues the rule established by these decisions permitted the prosecution in his case
“to circumvent the stated policy [of the corpus delicti rule] of protecting an
accused from possibly fabricated testimony.” (See People v. Cullen (1951) 37
Cal.2d 614, 625 [234 P.2d 1].)
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Defendant's contentions are unpersuasive. The United States Supreme Court's
well-known admonition, on which defendant relies, about the need for heightened
reliability in capital cases, refers to the determination of penalty, not the degree of
the homicide. (Woodson v. North Carolina (1976) 428 U.S. 280, 305 [96 S.Ct.
2978, 2991, 49 L.Ed.2d 944] (lead opn. of Powell, J.) [“Because of that
qualitative difference [between a sentence of life and death], there is a
corresponding difference in the need for reliability in the determination that death
is the appropriate punishment in a specific case”].) We are unaware of any
holding by the high court, and defendant cites none, requiring this court to modify
its long-standing state-law-based rules governing the admissibility of evidence at
the guilt phase merely because in a particular case the death penalty is a possible
outcome.
The motivating idea of the corpus delicti rule-to protect an accused from his or
her own fabricated statements-has little application in this situation, where the
corpus delicti of murder is established by ample evidence of a homicide
committed by a criminal agency. Defendant is sufficiently protected from the
possibility of his own folly, his possible mental impairment, or police
overreaching by the rule rendering his statements inadmissible to prove the
substantive sex crimes that he admitted having committed. Application of the
corpus delicti rule to the charge that he committed murder also protects him. He
finally is protected by his ability, should he so desire, to attempt to exclude his
statements by proving they were the product of his mental impairment or of police
misconduct. (See Colorado v. Connelly, supra, 479 U.S. at p. 167 [107 S.Ct. at p.
522] [“coercive police activity is a necessary predicate to the finding that a
confession is not 'voluntary' within the meaning of the Due Process Clause of the
Fourteenth Amendment”].)
Once the criminal agency has been established by prima facie evidence that a
murder was committed, permitting a defendant's own statements to help establish
the degree of the crime does not violate his rights to due process, a fair trial, or to
be free from cruel and unusual punishment, or other constitutional guarantee.
Although it is unclear whether defendant is relying on any asserted state
constitutional basis for his claim, we reject such claim as well, finding no reason
to interpret the state Constitution differently in this context.
[…]

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Prior to trial, defendant moved on corpus delicti grounds to dismiss the charge he
murdered Levoy, contending the prosecution had not demonstrated a prima facie
case that Levoy had been murdered. The trial court denied the motion. Defense
counsel renewed the issue at trial, claiming defendant's extrajudicial statements
should be excluded on corpus delicti grounds. When the trial court overruled the
objection, defendant testified and explained that he killed Levoy, but the killing
was not intentional. Defendant now claims the trial court erred in overruling his
motion to exclude his statements and that this error induced him to testify at trial.
Respondent argues that defendant did not adequately preserve the issue for
appeal, having raised a slightly different claim below. We do not resolve that
question, however, because even assuming the issue was preserved, we find the
corpus delicti for Levoy's murder was more than adequately established by the
evidence independent of defendant's statements. The fact of the injury is obvious:
Levoy's lifeless body, unearthed in defendant's yard, is proof of that. The
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existence of a criminal agency as the cause of her death is reasonably inferable
from the suspicious circumstances of her disappearance, including the fact
Radford was killed at the same time she disappeared, as well as from the fact her
body was buried in the same clothes she had been wearing when she disappeared,
suggesting her death was not from natural causes.
The trial court held as much: “[T]he fact that Barbara Levoy disappeared abruptly
after her companion had been killed by homicide, and that she stayed disappeared
[sic] until she was discovered some eighteen months later, that she was
discovered in a grave four feet approximately underground, [there is] just ... a
great deal of circumstantial evidence that she died by means of homicide .... [¶] ...
[¶] ... It is obvious that it was not an accidental death, there was not a suicide, but
in any event, I am amply convinced that the death has been proved and it has been
proved to have been committed by criminal means.”
We agree and conclude the trial court correctly denied defendant's motion, based
on the corpus delicti rule, to exclude his statements implicating him in Levoy's
murder. Accordingly, defendant could not have been improperly induced to testify
as a result of the trial court's decision denying his motion. To the extent defendant
claims that admission of his statements to prove he murdered Levoy violated his
rights to a fair trial, due process, and a fair and reliable penalty verdict under the
federal Constitution, we deny those claims as well.

12 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 929–32.
13

b.

Legal Standard

14

(i)

Trial Court Error

15

The standard for trial court error is set out in section VII, B, 1, b, (i), herein.

16

(ii)

17

Miranda safeguards in the context of custodial interrogation a defendant’s Fifth

Custodial Statements

18 Amendment privilege that “[n]o person . shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness
19 against himself.” Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436, 461 (1966). Miranda rights may be waived
20 provided the waiver is made “voluntarily, knowingly and intelligently.” Id. at 444.
21

“It is now inescapably clear that the Fourteenth Amendment forbids the use of

22 involuntary confessions not only because of the probable unreliability of confessions that are
23 obtained in a manner deemed coercive, but also because of the strongly felt attitude of our
24 society that important human values are sacrificed where an agency of the government, in the
25 course of securing a conviction, wrings a confession out of an accused against his will,
26 Blackburn v. Alabama, 361 U.S. 199, 206-207 [(1960)], and because of the deep-rooted feeling
27 that the police must obey the law while enforcing the law; that in the end life and liberty can be
28 as much endangered from illegal methods used to convict those thought to be criminals as from
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1 the actual criminals themselves. Spano v. New York, 360 U.S. 315, 320-321 [(1959).]” Jackson
2 v. Denno, 378 U.S. 368, 385–86 (1964); see also Colorado v. Connelly, 479 U.S. 157, 167
3 (1986) (“coercive police activity is a necessary predicate to the finding that a confession is not
4 'voluntary' within the meaning of the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment [.]”).
5

Federal courts apply a totality of circumstances test to determine the voluntariness of a

6 confession. Withrow v. Williams, 507 U.S. 680, 693-694 (1993); see also Donnelly v.
7 DeChristoforo, 416 U.S. 637, 643 (1974) (the relevant inquiry is whether the error at trial “so
8 infected the trial with unfairness as to make the resulting conviction a denial of due process.”).
9
10

c.

Analysis

Petitioner argues that state supreme court, in denying these Claims, failed to apply, or

11 unreasonably applied clearly established federal law. He argues the trial court erred on
12 November 16, 1984, by denying, after a hearing, his motion to exclude his July 27-28 and
13 August 2, 1982 statements to Kern County Sheriff Sergeants Gary Davis and Glen Johnson,
14 given at San Quentin where he was serving time for the Ventura County convictions, confessing
15 to the crimes against Radford and Levoy. (See RT 93-240; CT 106-114, 472-79, 1259-60.)
16 Particularly, he argues his statements were inadmissible because they were un-Mirandized,
17 involuntary, unreliable, and admitted in violation of the corpus delicti rule. (See ECF No. 107 at
18 285-91, ECF No. 210 at 163-67, 218; see also Claims 6, 7, 23, herein.) However, the state
19 supreme court reasonably denied the Claims, as discussed below.
20

(i)

Admission of Custodial Statements

21

(A)

Miranda Advisement and Waiver

22

Petitioner argues that sergeants Davis and Johnson did not Mirandize him for the

23 unrecorded first interview on July 27, 1982 (see RT 206, 218), rendering ineffective the Miranda
24 advisements given for the recorded second and third interviews which he argues were part of “a
25 continuous interview process.” (ECF No. 107 at 290; ECF No. 210 at 165 citing Miranda, 384
26 U.S. at 469; Smith v. Illinois, 469 U.S. 91, 92 (1984); see also RT 93-240.) He argues the
27 sergeants testified falsely that he was advised of and waived rights under Miranda before the
28 brief July 27, 1982 unrecorded interview began. (RT 96-99, 132; see also CT 160.)
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1

Petitioner argues the sergeants refused his unrecorded request for counsel (something

2 Davis and Johnson deny), violating his rights under the Fifth Amendment. (ECF No. 107 at 2873 89; ECF No. 210 at 166 citing Sessoms v. Grounds, 776 F.3d 615, 626 (9th Cir. 2014) (en banc);
4 see also RT 122, 143, 206-32.) In this regard, Petitioner testified that, at the time of the
5 interviews, he knew he had a right to an attorney, but “said exactly what [he] was told to say”
6 when he agreed to a Miranda waiver (RT 220-22), such that his purported Miranda waiver was
7 not valid (ECF No. 210 at 163).
8

Petitioner argues his statements were coerced by the sergeants’ threats to arrest his

9 mother and twelve-year-old son, and thus not “voluntary beyond a reasonable doubt” as required
10 by then prevailing state law. (ECF No. 107 at 286 citing In re Lance W., 37 Cal. 3d 873, 881-90
11 (1985); People v. Smith, 34 Cal. 3d 251, 257-63 (1983).) He argues that he confessed only after
12 Davis and Johnson (i) threatened to arrest members of his family (something Davis and Johnson
13 deny), and (ii) refused Petitioner access to counsel (something Davis and Johnson deny). (ECF
14 No. 107 at 287-89; see also RT 206-31.)
15

Petitioner argues his noted mental disabilities (see Claims 3, 4, 6, and 8) and medication

16 with the prescription drug Mellaril, a tranquilizer and anti-depressant, rendered his waivers and
17 statements involuntary, unknowing, and unreliable (RT 122-23, 144-45, 203, 212, 215-16, 154118 44), and that Counsel was ineffective for failing to develop and present the argument.

(See

19 Claims 3, 4, 67, 8, herein.)
20

The record reflects that during the first interview, Petitioner was told a body had been

21 recovered from the back yard where he had lived with his family and that the detectives had
22 interviewed his wife, son, father, and mother. (See ECF No. 210 at 164 citing RT 99-100.)
23 Petitioner denied involvement and refused to make a statement until he had spoken with his
24 mother. (Id., citing RT 99-100, 115, 204-207; see also RT 4042-43.) The following day, July
25 28th, after Petitioner met with his mother and his sister (RT 162, 171, 178-81), the sergeants met
26 with Petitioner a second time (RT 130-06). Petitioner, in this tape recorded interview during
27 which he was Mirandized and waived rights thereunder (CT 162), made a statement admitting
28 his involvement in the Radford and Levoy homicides (RT 105-108, 121, 132-33, 149, 155). The
95

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1 transcript of the tape recorded third interview on August 2, 1982, includes sergeant Johnson
2 reading Petitioner his Miranda rights at the beginning of the interview, (RT 135-36), something
3 Petitioner could not recall (RT 224). Petitioner then made further statements about the killing.
4 (See e.g., RT 135-38.)
5

The record further reflects the trial court found Petitioner was given, and waived Miranda

6 rights, and that his statements to the sergeants were given “intelligently, freely, and voluntarily.”
7 (RT 3141.) The trial court then denied the suppression motion. (CT 1259-60.)
8

As to Petitioner’s medication with Mellaril, the sergeants testified they were aware

9 Petitioner was then medicated, and that at times his mood and emotional state varied widely; still
10 they found Petitioner to be responsive, coherent, and that he appeared to understand the
11 interview proceedings. (See RT 122-28, 144-46.)
12

The state supreme court, on the noted facts and circumstances before it, was not

13 unreasonable in accepting the trial court’s findings and underlying credibility determinations, for
14 the reasons stated by that court. Particularly, the trial court was in the best position to judge
15 credibility. See People v. Westerfield, 6 Cal. 5th 632, 682-83 (2019).
16

(B)

Corpus Delicti

17

Petitioner argues the statements should have been excluded because the corpus delicti of

18 Levoy’s murder-rape was not independently proved, and such statements were unreliable at the
19 penalty phase. (ECF No. 107 at 363; ECF No. 210 at 216-17 citing Caldwell v. Mississippi, 472
20 U.S. 320 (1985) (stating need for greater reliability in capital sentencing proceedings)); People v.
21 Hamilton, 60 Cal.2d 105, 129 (1963), overruled in part by People v. Morse, 60 Cal. 2d 631
22 (1964) (during the guilt phase of a criminal trial an extrajudicial admission is inadmissible in the
23 absence of independent proof of the corpus delicti).)
24

The record reflects the trial court denied Counsel’s objection and motion to dismiss

25 Count 2 (i.e., murder of Levoy) and exclude his extrajudicial statements, on corpus delicti
26 grounds. (See CT 480-503, 1278-79, 1351; RT 3704-08, 4324; see also CT 168.)
27

The principal purpose of the state corpus delicti rule is to ensure that the accused does not

28 admit to a crime that never occurred. People v. Carpenter (1997) 15 Cal.4th 312, 394 (1997),
96

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1 abrogated on other grounds by People v. Diaz, 60 Cal. 4th 1176 (2015); People v. Alvarez, 27
2 Cal.4th 1161, 1169 (2002) (“rule is intended to ensure that one will not be falsely convicted, by
3 his or her untested words alone, of a crime that never happened”). Although the prosecution
4 must establish a corpus delicti independent of the defendant's extrajudicial admissions or
5 confession, proof of the corpus delicti may be entirely circumstantial. People v. Jones, 17
6 Cal.4th 279, 301 (1998). The prosecution's burden consists only of making prima facie showing
7 “permitting the reasonable inference that a crime was committed.“ People v. Jennings 53 Cal.3d
8 334, 364 (1991).
9

When a defendant's extrajudicial statements form part of the prosecution's evidence, the

10 trial court must instruct sua sponte that “a finding of guilt cannot be predicated on the statements
11 alone.” Alvarez, 27 Cal.4th at 1170. The trial court's failure to so instruct is harmless error if “it
12 does not appear reasonably probable that a result more favorable to defendant would have been
13 reached in the absence of the error.” People v. Beagle, (1972) 6 Cal.3d 441, 455–456, abrogated
14 on other grounds by People v. Diaz, 60 Cal. 4th 1176 (2015). When “the corpus delicti is
15 convincingly established independently of admissions[,] the error of the omission of that
16 instruction cannot be deemed as reversible.” Beagle, 6 Cal.3d 455.
17

Federal courts have viewed the corpus delicti rule solely a matter of state law. See e.g.,

18 Evans v. Luebbers, 371 F.3d 438, 442–43 (8th Cir. 2004) (claim concerning a similar corpus
19 delicti rule that required some slight proof of human agency before admission of a confession did
20 not involve federal constitutional rights); Jacobs v. Horn, 395 F.3d 92, 112–13 (3d Cir. 2005)
21 (failure to instruct on the corpus delicti in violation of state law did not violate federal due
22 process of law); West v. Johnson, 92 F.3d 1385, 1393–94 (5th Cir. 1996) (noting that petitioner
23 cited no authority for the proposition that application of a state corpus delicti rule is
24 constitutionally mandated); see also Gerlaugh v. Lewis, 898 F. Supp. 1388, 1410 (D. Ariz.
25 1995), aff'd. by Gerlaugh v. Stewart, 129 F.3d 1027 (9th Cir.1997) (claimed violation of the
26 corpus delicti rule presented only a state law question and thus did not warrant habeas relief);
27 Baltazar–Monterrosa v. Palmer, No. 3:10–cv–00002–RCJ–WGC, 2013 WL 944799, **13–14
28 (D. Nev. March 7, 2013) (unpublished) (where there was independent evidence of guilt and no
97

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1 showing of a violation of any federal constitutional right, a claim concerning application of a
2 state corpus delicti rule did not result in a decision that was contrary to, or an unreasonable
3 application of clearly established federal law or an unreasonable determination of fact in light of
4 the evidence presented to the state court, and was only a matter of state law).
5

Here, Petitioner argues particularly that “the prosecution failed to demonstrate a prima

6 facie case that [Levoy] was murdered, and that the prosecution failed to prove the underlying
7 felony [of rape] independent of the statements for first-degree felony murder.” (ECF No. 107 at
8 364; see also ECF No. 107 at 364-65 citing CT 480-504, 535-79, 644-45; 1256, 1351; RT 31359 38; [regarding the trial court’s refusal to dismiss, on such grounds, the Levoy murder Count and
10 conviction], CT 1278-79 [regarding the trial court’s overruling defense objection to the felony
11 murder theory of the killings of Levoy and Radford as first-degree murders]); cf. People v.
12 Mattson, 37 Cal. 3d. 85, 93-94 (1984), superseded by statute as stated in People v. Jablonski, 37
13 Cal. 4th 774 (the corpus delicti of felony-based special circumstances must be established
14 independently of an accused’s extrajudicial statements).
15

Petitioner argues the only evidence of what occurred between him and Levoy was his

16 allegedly unreliable confession. (ECF No. 107 at 365; ECF No. 210 at 217.) He observes that
17 prior to trial, the substantive rape, forcible sodomy, and forcible oral copulation Counts, and the
18 rape and sodomy special circumstance were stricken for lack of independent evidence. (ECF No.
19 107 at 364-65; ECF No. 210 at 217 citing CT 131-133, 1256; RT 199-201, 3135-38.) He
20 suggests that, just as the “underlying felony” of a felony-based special circumstance and the
21 same felony, when charged as a substantive crime, are subject to the corpus delicti rule in
22 California courts, so too should the underlying felony of first-degree felony murder; especially so
23 in a capital case where the need for reliability is at its greatest. (ECF No. 107 at 366.)
24

However, the state supreme court reasonably rejected Petitioner’s assertion of the corpus

25 delicti rule, for the reasons it stated. That court, in the course thereof, observed the noted
26 independent proof of the corpus delicti of Levoy’s murder in the trial record, the inapplicability
27 of the rule in establishing the degree of murder and the admissibility of evidence in aggravation,
28 and the consequent absence of legal and factual constitutional error. Particularly, the jury was
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1 instructed on the corpus delicti rule, i.e., that the charged crimes must be proved independent of
2 any admission or confession (CT 1383); the presumption of innocence (CT 1388); the
3 requirement of proof beyond a reasonable doubt (id.); and the substantive elements of the
4 charged offenses and the special allegations including as to felony murder-rape and degree of
5 murder (CT 1392-1443).
6

To the extent Petitioner argues penalty phase use of his extrajudicial admission custodial

7 statements, as unadjudicated acts of violence, denied him the heightened reliability required in
8 capital cases, (see ECF No. 210 at 217-18), he concedes that “California statute and case law
9 allow the presentation of unadjudicated criminal acts as aggravating evidence in a capital penalty
10 trial.” (ECF No. 210 at 217 citing Penal Code § 190.3 (b).) Here again, he does not point to
11 clearly established federal law to the contrary. As noted, California’s death penalty process and
12 pattern instructions repeatedly have been upheld by the Supreme Court. (See Claims 26, 27, 33,
13 herein.)
14

(ii)

Harmless Error

15

Petitioner argues the foregoing alleged constitutional infirmities constitute more than

16 harmless error. (ECF No. 210 at 167 citing Brecht, 507 U.S. at 637.) He argues that “[h]ad the
17 trial court not erroneously admitted the extrajudicial statement[s] [he] would not have been
18 convicted, found sane, or sentenced to death.” (ECF No. 107 at 285; see also id. at 364; ECF
19 No. 210 at 166.) He argues that “[b]ecause the prosecution’s felony-murder theory was
20 predicated entirely on petitioner’s extrajudicial statements, the convictions for first-degree
21 murder and the subsequent verdicts at the sanity and penalty phases must be reversed . . . [and]
22 the jury’s use of guilt phase evidence of rape as a factor in aggravation rendered the death verdict
23 unreliable and unconstitutional.” (ECF No. 107 at 368.)
24

But that state supreme court reasonably could find the alleged errors, individually and

25 cumulatively, no more than harmless. Petitioner concedes that “California statute and case law
26 allow the presentation of unadjudicated criminal acts as aggravating evidence in a capital penalty
27 trial.” (ECF No. 210 at 217 citing Penal Code § 190.3 (b); People v. Balderas, 41 Cal.3d 144,
28 204-205 (1985).) He has not demonstrated clearly established federal law to the contrary.
99

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1 Rather, the Supreme Court has upheld California’s death penalty statute. Notably, the jury
2 otherwise was aware of evidence Petitioner premeditated the murders and committed the acts
3 alleged in the multiple murder and kidnapping special circumstances found true. (See Claims 6,
4 7, 9, 23, 33, herein.)
5

Additionally, a federal writ is not available for alleged error in the interpretation or

6 application of only state law. See McGuire, 502 U.S. at 67-68; Park, 202 F.3d at 1149. Federal
7 habeas relief is not available to retry a state issue that does not rise to the level of a federal
8 constitutional violation. Id. Alleged errors in the application of state law are not cognizable in
9 federal habeas corpus. Souch v. Schaivo, 289 F.3d 616, 623 (9th Cir. 2002). The Court accepts
10 a state court's interpretation of state law. Langford v. Day, 110 F.3d 1380, 1389 (9th Cir.1996).
11

d.

Conclusions

12

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of the Claims was not

13 contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by
14 the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the
15 evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
16

Claims 14, 25 shall be denied.

17

5.

18

Petitioner alleges the trial court erred by failing to admonish the jury, during voir dire,

Claim 15

19 not to form or express an opinion on or investigate the case, violating his rights under the Sixth,
20 Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments.13 (ECF No. 107 at 292-96.)
21

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

22

The Claim was presented to the California Supreme Court on direct appeal (Lod. Doc. 1

23 at 84-93), and denied on the merits, and in part on procedural grounds, as follows:
24
In preliminary proceedings, the court organized the jury pool into groups, telling
certain prospective jurors to return for voir dire after lunch, while assigning others
future times and days in which they were to return to court for voir dire. Before
the latter jurors left the courtroom, the trial court did not admonish them against
discussing the case, reading, or listening to media accounts, or visiting the scene

25
26
27
13

Petitioner states that he incorporates the factual basis of Claims 1, 2, 6, and 10 (ECF No. 107 at 292), and the

28 instructional errors alleged in Claim 20 (ECF No. 107 at 294).
100

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1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21

of the crimes. Defendant acknowledges that the statutory requirement that jurors
be admonished (§ 1122) applies only after a jury is sworn and thus does not
expressly apply to this preliminary period in the jury selection process. (People v.
Horton (1995) 11 Cal.4th 1068, 1094 [47 Cal.Rptr.2d 516, 906 P.2d 478].)
Nevertheless, he contends the trial court's failure to admonish the jury violated his
federal constitutional rights to a fair trial, an impartial jury, and a reliable guilt
and penalty verdict, as well as his analogous rights under the state Constitution.
We have explained that “the giving of the admonition to prospective jurors during
the voir dire process constitutes a sound judicial practice” (People v. Horton,
supra, 11 Cal.4th at p. 1094), but that failure to do so does not constitute error.
Because our Horton opinion makes no mention of whether we considered all the
constitutional bases defendant now asserts, Horton does not fully dispose of
defendant's claim. We nevertheless find three reasons why the claim is meritless.
First, defendant failed to object or call the trial court's attention to the lack of an
admonishment. The issue is thus forfeited on appeal. (Cf. People v. Heishman
(1988) 45 Cal.3d 147, 175 [246 Cal.Rptr. 673, 753 P.2d 629] [where § 1122
applies, a timely objection is necessary].) Second, even assuming the issue were
preserved for appeal, we are unaware of any constitutional requirement that our
trial courts admonish prospective jurors so far in advance of a trial. Certainly,
defendant does not cite any authority to that effect.
Third, any prospective jurors who discuss the case, form opinions, view the crime
scene, or do legal research can be discovered during the voir dire process and be
either excused or rehabilitated at that time. Although defendant directs our
attention to a few jurors who may have acquainted themselves with the law after
being notified they might be chosen for the jury, he fails to explain why his right
to a fair trial and an impartial jury could not be protected by rehabilitating those
jurors or excusing them for cause or peremptorily if they could not be
rehabilitated. He thus fails to show prejudice. (People v. Heishman, supra, 45
Cal.3d at p. 175.) Defendant's ability to strike such jurors also protects his rights
under both the state and federal Constitutions to a reliable verdict.
Defendant also contends his trial attorney provided ineffective assistance of
counsel by failing to ask the court to admonish the prospective jurors. He claims
his counsel could have had no conceivable tactical reason for the omission. Even
assuming that to be true, defendant fails to demonstrate how he was prejudiced.
Accordingly, he does not show his trial attorney was constitutionally ineffective
under either the state or federal Constitution. (In re Sixto (1989) 48 Cal.3d 1247,
1257 [259 Cal.Rptr. 491, 774 P.2d 164]; Strickland v. Washington (1984) 466
U.S. 668, 691-692 [104 S.Ct. 2052, 2066-2067, 80 L.Ed.2d 674].)

22
23 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 908–09.
24

The Claim also was presented to the California Supreme Court in Petitioner’s first state

25 habeas petition (Lod. Doc. 7 at 456-58), and summarily denied on the merits, and in part on
26 procedural grounds (Lod. Doc. 8).
27

b.

Legal Standard

28

(i)

Trial Court Error
101

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1

The standard for trial court error is set out in section VII, B, 1, b, (i), herein.

2

(ii)

3

The standard for trial by a fair and impartial jury is set out in section VII, B, 2, b, (ii),

Trial by a Fair and Impartial Jury

4 herein.
5

c.

Analysis

6

Petitioner argues the trial court erred by failing to admonish the jury, during individual

7 voir dire, not to form an opinion or express any opinion about the case and not to investigate the
8 facts of the case or the applicable law. He argues that as a result, at least two jurors who voted to
9 find him sane and sentenced him to death “acquainted themselves during the jury selection
10 process with legal principles applicable to the definition of sanity” (ECF No. 107 at 292; see
11 also ECF No. 210 at 168.)
12

(i)

Proceedings at Voir Dire

13

Petitioner argues that certain prospective jurors independently researched case-related

14 matters and/or consulted with others in such regards. Particularly, he argues that:
15
16

•

Prospective juror Jake Amick, who served on the sanity and penalty phase
jury, responded to voir dire in a manner that inferentially suggested
atypical familiarity with the discredited M’Naghten test for sanity. (ECF
No. 107 at 294.)

•

Prospective juror Laura Wilkerson, who served on the sanity and penalty
phase jury, responded to voir dire in a manner that inferentially suggested
atypical familiarity with applicable legal principles including mitigation.
(ECF No. 107 at 294-95.)

•

Prospective juror Nora Armstrong responded to voir dire in a manner that
inferentially suggested atypical familiarity with the insanity defense.
(ECF No. 107 at 295.)

•

Prospective juror Darlene Dugger responded to voir dire in a manner that
inferentially suggested she had discussed Petitioner’s case with her sister.
(ECF No. 107 at 295.)

•

Prospective juror Christine White responded to voir dire by admitting she
had discussed the nature of charges against Petitioner, with her husband.
(ECF No. 107 at 295.)

17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27

Even so, Petitioner has not identified legal authority that a trial court must admonish

28 jurors before they are sworn. As the state supreme court observed, Petitioner does not show trial
102

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1 counsel was denied or constrained in the opportunity to voir dire and as appropriate challenge
2 these and the other prospective jurors. Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 909. Particularly, as to the five
3 prospective jurors in issue, the state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner argues
4 inference insubstantially supported by facts in the record.
5

While prospective juror Amick responded during voir dire that whether a sane person

6 could commit a bizarre murder related to whether the person “knows what he is doing and …
7 knows that it is wrong[,]” (RT 1139), he nonetheless stated he could apply law to facts at the
8 sanity phase and was not predisposed one way or the other on the matter of sanity (RT 1130-31).
9 Nothing tethered this response to M’Naghten, or suggested he would not follow the trial court’s
10 instruction. (Id.)
11

While prospective juror Wilkerson responded during voir dire that she would weigh the

12 evidence and apply a balancing approach at the penalty phase (RT 2494-95), she nonetheless
13 stated that she could apply law to facts at the penalty phase (RT 2504).
14

While prospective juror Armstrong responded during voir dire that whether a person

15 could claim he was crazy at the time of the crime related to whether “they know what they are
16 doing[,]” (RT 1963), she nonetheless stated she could apply law to facts at the sanity phase (RT
17 1951), adding that she that had never studied psychology or psychiatry or dealt with those issues
18 (RT 1962).
19

While prospective juror Dugger mentioned discussing her sister during voir dire, she

20 nonetheless stated that she could apply law to facts at trial (RT 2080).
21

While prospective juror White stated on voir dire that she mentioned to her husband that

22 she had a murder case with a plea of insanity (RT 2416), she nonetheless stated that “[she] didn’t
23 really go into it” and could apply law to facts at trial with an open mind (RT 2399-2400).
24

(ii)

Harmless Error

25

Petitioner argues these prospective jurors freely investigated law and facts outside the

26 trial record, such that the conviction and death sentence rendered were arbitrary and unreliable.
27 (ECF No. 107 at 295-96.)
28

However, the state supreme court reasonably could find the noted record on voir dire
103

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1 does not suggest more than harmless error. That court could find Petitioner’s allegations to be
2 only speculation and surmise insubstantially supported in the trial record, for the reasons stated.
3 Particularly, Petitioner has not demonstrated the jury considered extrinsic evidence, failed to
4 deliberate consistent with their instructions, or otherwise engaged in misconduct. (See Claims
5 17, 18, herein; see also Weeks v. Angelone, 528 U.S. 225, 234 (2000) (federal courts presume
6 jurors understand and follow instructions).
7

Furthermore, Petitioner has not shown Counsel was denied the opportunity to examine

8 and challenge prospective jurors during voir dire. See e.g., Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 909. Rather,
9 the voir dire record suggests that, with the exception of prospective juror Dugger who was
10 excused for cause, Counsel engaged in substantial questioning of these prospective jurors. (See
11 e.g., RT 1171-40, 2489-2505, 1947-64, 2079-2085, 2396-2422.)
Accordingly, that court reasonably could find no “substantial and injurious effect or

12

13 influence in determining the jury’s verdict.” Brecht, 507 U.S. at 637.
14

d.

Conclusions

15

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of the Claim was not

16 contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by
17 the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the
18 evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
19

Claim 15 shall be denied.

20

6.

21

Petitioner alleges the trial court gave erroneous instructions at the guilt, sanity, and

Claims 20, 21, 22

22 penalty phases (i.e., Claim 20), including as to the prosecution’s burden of proof generally (i.e.,
23 Claim 22), and the prosecution’s burden of proof specifically as to essential elements of the
24 charged offenses (i.e., Claim 21), violating his rights under the Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and
25 Fourteenth Amendments.14 (ECF No. 107 at 325-58.)
26
27
28

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

14

Petitioner states that he incorporates the factual basis of Claims 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, and 9, into Claim 20. (ECF No. 107
at 326.) Petitioner states that he incorporates the factual basis of Claims 7 , 20, and 22, into Claim 21. (Id. at 351.)
Petitioner states that he incorporates the factual basis of Claims 7, 20, and 21, into Claim 22. (Id. at 355.)

104

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1

(i)

2

Claim 20 was presented to the state supreme court on direct appeal (Lod. Doc. 1 at 290-

Claim 20

3 95, 334-41, 346-84, 388-99, 411-31, 442-44), and denied on the merits, as follows:
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23

Special Jury Instruction Concerning Mental Disease or Defect
The prosecution proposed a special jury instruction for the sanity phase: “The
terms 'mental disease' or 'mental defect' does not include an abnormality
manifested only by repeated criminal or otherwise antisocial conduct.” The
instruction was taken from our opinion in People v. Fields (1983) 35 Cal.3d 329
[197 Cal.Rptr. 803, 673 P.2d 680], which in turn adopted it from subdivision (2)
of the American Law Institute test for insanity. (Fields, supra, at pp. 368-369.)
Defense counsel objected on the ground that Fields was not the applicable law at
the time of the offense, and could not be applied retroactively to defendant's case.
Although she asserted the instruction was “misleading,” she did not explain why.
The trial court overruled the defense objection and delivered the instruction.
Defendant now contends the trial court erred by failing to also deliver, sua sponte,
another instruction further explaining the prosecution's special instruction using
additional language from our Fields opinion. Thus, defendant argues the trial
court erred by failing to have instructed the jury that “[i]f that illness manifests
itself in some other way as well, then it can be considered as a 'mental disease' ...
and instances of criminal or antisocial conduct can be ascribed to that disease or
cited as evidence of its severity.” (People v. Fields, supra, 35 Cal.3d at p. 369.)
We disagree. As defendant admits, “when terms have no technical meaning
peculiar to the law, but are commonly understood by those familiar with the
English language, instructions as to their meaning are not required.” (People v.
Anderson (1966) 64 Cal.2d 633, 639 [51 Cal.Rptr. 238, 414 P.2d 366].) In this
case, the language of the special instruction (“does not include an abnormality
manifested only by repeated criminal [conduct]” (italics added)) clearly implies
that where evidence of more than mere criminal conduct is present, such evidence
can be considered as proof of a mental disease or defect. Here there was ample
evidence presented to the jury at the sanity phase of the voices defendant said he
heard in his head, his post-traumatic stress as a result of service in Vietnam, and
other psychological problems. The jury would reasonably have understood that
such evidence, if credited, coupled with the evidence of repeated antisocial
behavior, could comprise evidence of insanity. Because the meaning of the
prosecution's special instruction was clear, the trial court bore no sua sponte duty
to give an additional instruction further explaining it.

27

Defendant also contends counsel was ineffective for failing to request an
explanatory instruction. Because the prosecution's special instruction was
sufficiently clear, however, counsel's failure to seek an additional explanatory
instruction could not have been prejudicial. Hence, counsel was not ineffective for
failing to request more. (People v. Kirkpatrick, supra, 7 Cal.4th at p. 1008.)
Moreover, because we find the prosecution's special instruction was not
misleading, we reject defendant's further argument that his sanity and penalty
phase verdicts were rendered unreliable in violation of the state and federal
Constitutions.

28

Finally, we also reject defendant's additional apparent contention, raised with no

24
25
26

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5
6
7
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15
16
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21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28

supporting argument, that the instruction impermissibly lightened the
prosecution's burden. It was defendant who bore the burden of proving his
insanity. (People v. Coddington, supra, 23 Cal.4th at p. 608; see also People v.
Earp, supra, 20 Cal.4th at p. 884 [“we need not consider on appeal mere
contentions of error unaccompanied by legal argument”].)
Consideration of Guilt Phase Evidence at the Sanity Phase
At the close of the sanity phase of the trial, the trial court instructed the jury as
follows: “In your consideration of the issue of legal insanity or legal sanity, you
are limited to the evidence produced in this phase of the trial. [¶] You may not
consider the evidence produced in the guilt phase of the trial.” The trial court gave
this instruction at defense counsel's request.
Defendant contends the instruction was erroneous and deprived him of his federal
constitutional due process right to present a defense. (Crane v. Kentucky (1986)
476 U.S. 683, 690 [106 S.Ct. 2142, 2146-2147, 90 L.Ed.2d 636] [“the
Constitution guarantees criminal defendants 'a meaningful opportunity to present
a complete defense' ”].) He is correct to the extent that he claims the instruction is
contrary to law: section 190.4, subdivision (d) provides: “In any case in which the
defendant may be subject to the death penalty, evidence presented at any prior
phase of the trial, including any proceeding under a plea of not guilty by reason of
insanity pursuant to Section 1026[,] shall be considered a[t] any subsequent phase
of the trial, if the trier of fact of the prior phase is the same trier of fact at the
subsequent phase.”
Although the instruction was erroneous under section 190.4, subdivision (d), the
record reveals counsel made a deliberate choice to request the instruction; hence,
the error was invited. Consequently, we need not decide whether the instruction
deprived defendant of his constitutional right to present a defense: “The doctrine
of invited error bars a defendant from challenging an instruction given by the trial
court when the defendant has made a 'conscious and deliberate tactical choice' to
'request' the instruction.” (People v. Lucero (2000) 23 Cal.4th 692, 723 [97
Cal.Rptr.2d 871, 3 P.3d 248], quoting People v. Wader (1993) 5 Cal.4th 610, 658
[20 Cal.Rptr.2d 788, 854 P.2d 80].)
Even were we to assume the error was not invited, defendant's due process right
to present a defense was not infringed. Defendant presented a thorough and
detailed defense at the sanity phase and was not prevented from reintroducing
those portions of the guilt phase evidence he believed could be beneficial to his
case at the sanity phase. Accordingly, he was not denied a meaningful opportunity
to present a defense.
Defendant argues that, to the extent Mrs. Huffman's decision to request the
instruction bars consideration of the issue, she was ineffective under the state and
federal Constitutions. Counsel's deficient performance was exacerbated,
defendant claims, by her failure to reintroduce critical guilt phase evidence at the
sanity phase to permit the jury to consider it as a factual basis for the opinions of
the various expert witnesses who testified. In particular, he directs our attention to
guilt phase evidence that he “blanked out” when Levoy bit him, that when he was
young his mother would discipline him by biting him, that he hears voices in his
head, that he abused amphetamines to stay awake while driving, and that he had
not slept in 10 days when he came upon Radford and Levoy on the highway.
We reject the claim defense counsel was ineffective, because defendant suff ered
no possible prejudice from counsel's choice to request a jury instruction limiting
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the jury's consideration to evidence presented in the sanity phase only. In light of
the overwhelming negative evidence against defendant presented in the People's
case-in-chief at the guilt phase, including gruesome details of the actual crimes,
we conclude defendant could not have been prejudiced by counsel's decision.
To the extent defendant's appellate counsel argues the instruction limiting
consideration of evidence to that presented at the sanity phase, combined with the
instruction requested by the prosecution that evidence of antisocial acts alone
cannot comprise evidence of insanity (ante, pt. II.B.10.), deprived defendant of a
viable defense at the sanity phase, we reject that claim as well because there was
ample evidence of defendant's alleged insanity apart from his antisocial acts from
which the jury could have concluded he was legally insane.

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8 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 968–71.
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Jury Instruction Precluding Jury from Considering Defendant's Statements on a
VESI Videotape for Their Truth
As noted, ante (pts. II.B.5. & 9.), two videotapes of defendant answering
questions from the VESI were played for the jury at the sanity phase. For that
phase of trial, the jury was instructed that defendant's answers were not to be
considered for their truth but only as demonstrating the basis for some of the
medical experts' opinions.27 That instruction was imported into the penalty phase
when the trial court instructed the jury that “all other instructions previously read
to you which you find to be applicable to this part of the trial should be
considered by you in reaching a decision as to the penalty to be imposed.”

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-------------------------FOOTNOTE-------------------n.27 The jury was instructed: “There has been admitted in evidence the testimony
of medical experts of statements made to them by the defendant in the course of
an examination of the defendant which was made for the purpose of diagnosis.
The testimony of such statements may be considered by you only for the limited
purpose of showing the information upon which the medical experts based their
opinion. Such testimony is not to be considered by you as evidence of the truth of
the facts disclosed by defendant's statements.”
--------------------END FOOTNOTE--------------------

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After retiring to deliberate, the jury sent out a note, asking about the permissible
way it could consider the VESI videotapes. The trial court instructed the jury: “I
will simply repeat the instruction that I gave you several times during the course
of the trial and the video tape was played in the second phase of the trial. It is
received and it may be considered by you only as supplying a part of a basis of
this particular doctor's opinion. It may not be used for the truth of anything stated
on the video tape, and to the extent that the doctor's opinion as reflected by the
video tape played a part in this decision, yes, it can be used in that manner. But as
I say, it is not to be used as the establishing of any fact, the truth of any fact that
may have been stated on the tape. Just as when a doctor examines a patient in
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person and that patient made certain statements to the doctor about his condition,
those statements may not be used for the truth of what was told the doctor but
simply may be considered as a basis or part of a basis of the doctor's subsequent
opinions.”
Although defendant did not object to the trial court's initial instruction or its
reinstruction, he now complains that both were erroneous, and that defense
counsel was constitutionally ineffective for failing to object. We disagree.
Defendant's statements on the VESI videotapes were hearsay insofar as they
might be considered for their truth, and we have implicitly concluded that, with
some exceptions, the hearsay rule applies at the penalty phase of a capital trial.
(See People v. Harris (1984) 36 Cal.3d 36, 68-71 [201 Cal.Rptr. 782, 679 P.2d
433] (plur. opn. of Broussard, J.); id. at p. 75 (dis. opn. of Kaus, J.); People v.
Ray, supra, 13 Cal.4th at p. 371 (conc. opn. of Mosk, J.); see People v. Nye
(1969) 71 Cal.2d 356, 372 [78 Cal.Rptr. 467, 455 P.2d 395] [under the then
applicable death penalty law, “[o]bjectionable hearsay evidence is no more
admissible at the penalty phase than at the guilt phase”].)
Defendant argues the jury should have been permitted to consider the nonhearsay
elements of the videotapes, such as defendant's demeanor, physical reaction to
questions, and remorse. We do not read the trial court's instruction as precluding
consideration of defendant's demeanor or physical reactions. In any event, even
assuming the court erroneously deprived the jury of this “evidence,” there is no
reasonable possibility the jury would have reached a different verdict in the
absence of the alleged error.
Defendant also contends that, given the finality of the death penalty, penalty
phase juries should not be “precluded from considering, as a mitigating factor,
any aspect of the accused's character that would permit the jury to return a
sentence less than death,” citing Lockett v. Ohio (1978) 438 U.S. 586 [98 S.Ct.
2954, 57 L.Ed.2d 973]. Stated differently, defendant would have us conclude that,
because the death penalty is involved, we should dispense with traditional statelaw-based rules of evidence. He cites Green v. Georgia (1979) 442 U.S. 95 [99
S.Ct. 2150, 60 L.Ed.2d 738] in support.
We previously addressed and rejected this broad reading of Green v. Georgia,
supra, 442 U.S. 95, in People v. Stanley (1995) 10 Cal.4th 764 [42 Cal.Rptr.2d
543, 897 P.2d 481]. In that case, the defendant claimed the trial court erred by
refusing to modify an instruction so as to permit the jury to consider for their truth
certain videotapes defendant had made while under the influence of sodium
amytal. (Id. at p. 833.) We considered the rule of Green v. Georgia, in which the
high court held that due process concerns could override state evidentiary rules at
the penalty phase of a capital trial in circumstances where the evidence in
question was highly relevant and reliable. (Stanley, supra, at pp. 838-839.) We
concluded the videotapes bore no special indicia of reliability, so the rule did not
require the trial court to dispense with the hearsay rule.
Although we have recognized the potential importance of Green v. Georgia,
supra, 442 U.S. 95, explaining that “[e]xclusion of hearsay testimony at a penalty
phase may violate a defendant's due process rights if the excluded testimony is
highly relevant to an issue critical to punishment and substantial reasons exist to
assume the evidence is reliable” (People v. Phillips (2000) 22 Cal.4th 226, 238
[92 Cal.Rptr.2d 58, 991 P.2d 145]), the rule is not implicated in this case. The
VESI videotapes were made by defendant to support his claim of insanity, and we
cannot conclude they were particularly reliable as a result. Although defendant
claims their reliability was shown by the testimony of other witnesses confirming
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that he had served in Vietnam and came home a changed person, we agree with
respondent that such evidence shows only that defendant's assertions on the
videotapes that he had served in Vietnam were not lies. The testimony of other
witnesses cannot confirm the substance of defendant's war experiences, which is
the aspect of his VESI responses that he claims is mitigating.
In any event, even assuming for argument that the trial court should not have
instructed the jury that it could consider the VESI videotapes only for a limited
purpose, we agree with respondent that any error was harmless because the
videotapes included potentially aggravating evidence. As defendant argued earlier
when he claimed counsel was ineffective for eliciting damaging evidence on the
videotapes and then failing to seek a redaction before they were played for the
jury, the videotapes included such information as defendant's saying women
existed for his sexual satisfaction, that he hated all women except his mother, and
that he had raped other women. These statements, if made available to the jury for
their truth, could only have emboldened the jury to impose the death penalty.
We conclude the trial court did not err in limiting the jury's consideration of the
VESI videotapes to using them as a basis for the expert psychiatric testimony.
“Any contrary ruling would have permitted defendant to give self-serving
testimony free from cross-examination as to its validity.” (People v. Stanley,
supra, 10 Cal.4th at p. 839.) Even assuming the instruction was erroneous,
defendant was not prejudiced thereby. It follows that counsel was not ineffective
for failing to object to the instruction.

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14 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 979–82.
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Failure to Give Clarifying Jury Instructions
As noted above, the trial court instructed the jury that “all other instructions
previously read to you which you find to be applicable to this part of the trial
should be considered by you in reaching a decision as to the penalty to be
imposed.” Defendant contends the trial court's failure to enumerate specifically
which of the sanity phase jury instructions applied at the penalty phase was
reversible error. In particular, he claims that by leaving the jury to decide which
of the sanity phase instructions applied, the jury may have erroneously applied the
definition for legal insanity to the penalty phase. This error, defendant claims,
would have required him to prove by a higher quantum of evidence that his
mental condition deserved consideration as a mitigating circumstance, because
former CALJIC No. 4.00 (1978 rev.) asks the jury to determine if the defendant
“as a result of mental disease or defect ... lacks substantial capacity either to
appreciate the criminality of his conduct or to conform his conduct to the
requirements of the law.” (Italics added.) By contrast, section 190.3, factor (h)
permits the jury to consider as a mitigating circumstance “[w]hether or not at the
time of the offense the capacity of the defendant to appreciate the criminality of
his conduct or to conform his conduct to the requirements of law was impaired as
a result of mental disease or defect, or the [e]ffects of intoxication.” (Italics
added.)
Defendant is correct that the trial court's failure to specify which of the previously
delivered instructions continued to apply at the penalty phase was potentially
misleading. We admonished the trial courts in People v. Babbitt (1988) 45 Cal.3d
660 [248 Cal.Rptr. 69, 755 P.2d 253] that, “[t]o avoid any possible confusion in
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future cases, trial courts should expressly inform the jury at the penalty phase
which of the instructions previously given continue to apply.” (Id. at p. 718, fn.
26.) The current applicable pattern instruction, CALJIC No. 8.84.1 (6th ed. 1996),
provides that the jury at the penalty phase should “[d]isregard all other
instructions given to you in other phases of this trial.” In the Use Note to CALJIC
No. 8.84.1, the authors explain that the instruction “should be followed by all
appropriate instructions beginning with CALJIC 1.01, concluding with CALJIC
8.88. [¶] Our recommended procedure may be more cumbersome than the
suggestion advanced in footnote number 26 [of Babbitt, supra, at p. 718], but the
Committee believes it is less likely to result in confusion to the jury.”
Defendant's trial occurred before we decided People v. Babbitt, supra, 45 Cal.3d
660, so the trial court did not have the benefit of our admonition. In any event,
regarding the possibility of confusion between the definition for insanity and the
mitigating circumstance set forth in section 190.3, factor (h), we rejected the same
claim in People v. Babbitt, at pages 720-721: “Nor do we agree with defendant
that factor (h) suggested to the jury that, having found defendant sane, it could not
consider his asserted mental defects or disease in mitigation. Whereas the insanity
instruction requires that a defendant lack 'substantial capacity' to appreciate the
criminality of his conduct or to conform his conduct to the law, factor (h) requires
only that his capacity to do so be 'impaired.' The difference between the two
standards is readily apparent.” (See People v. Marshall (1996) 13 Cal.4th 799,
857 [55 Cal.Rptr.2d 347, 919 P.2d 1280] [“For a particular sentencing factor,
such as section 190.3, factor (h), to apply on the record of the case, the evidence
supporting it need not suffice to establish a complete defense to the crime; rather,
there need be in the record only some evidence relevant to the factor”].)
Defendant argues People v. Babbitt, supra, 45 Cal.3d 660 is distinguishable
because we there emphasized that “both the prosecutor and defense counsel
informed the jury that defendant's mental condition could properly be considered
even though the jury had found him to be legally sane.” (Id. at p. 721, fn.
omitted.) By contrast, he claims, “the record reflects that the jury was urged by
both parties in closing argument to apply the sanity phase instructions to the
penalty phase.” For example, he notes the prosecutor “urged the jury to apply the
same reasoning it had employed in the sanity phase to its assessment of mitigating
factors in the penalty phase.”
Defendant exaggerates the record. When the prosecutor asserted in closing
argument that the section 190.3, factor (h) analysis was “[b]asically ... a review of
the sanity phase in the case,” he was likely not urging the jury to apply the same
level of proof. Instead, he appeared to be urging the jury to find there was
insufficient persuasive evidence showing defendant suffered a mental disease or
defect. “The only thing I am going to say with regard to that is I don't think there
is evidence to support it. There was an attempt made to present evidence showing
that. I think that evidence failed in that regard for the reasons that I have stated
earlier in my argument.” The prosecutor reminded the jury that, during voir dire,
the jurors affirmed that they “could consider [mental disease or defect as a
mitigating factor] even though the defendant might be sane.” Although the
prosecutor could have more clearly explained the difference in the standard of
proof between legal insanity (“substantial capacity”) and factor (h) (“impaired”),
we conclude the prosecutor did not mislead the jury.
Defense counsel also could have clarified the differences between insanity and
section 190.3, factor (h) but, like the prosecutor, she did not. Contrary to
defendant's claim, however, neither did she affirmatively mislead the jury. She
accurately quoted the statutory language for the jury (was defendant's “capacity ...
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to appreciate the criminality of his conduct or to conform his conduct to the
requirements of the law ... impaired as a result of a mental disease or defect ....”)
and then reminded the jury that, during voir dire, the jurors all affirmed they could
consider evidence of mental disease or defect as a mitigating circumstance even if
they had already found defendant was legally sane. She then asked: “Did he have
a mental defect? Did he have a mental illness? Did he have an emotional problem
that caused some of these factors to happen? I say he did, and I think those are
very important factors and should be weighed very heavily.” This is not an
argument to apply the sanity phase instructions to the penalty phase.
Because there was no “reasonable likelihood” (People v. Avena (1996) 13 Cal.4th
394, 417 [53 Cal.Rptr.2d 301, 916 P.2d 1000]; Boyde v. California (1990) 494
U.S. 370, 380-381 [110 S.Ct. 1190, 1197-1199, 108 L.Ed.2d 316]) the jury
misunderstood the instructions-because the difference between the standard for
insanity and for consideration of evidence under section 190.3, factor (h) was
“readily apparent” (People v. Babbitt, supra, 45 Cal.3d at p. 721)-we conclude the
trial court did not err in failing to specify which of the earlier instructions applied
at the penalty phase. Accordingly, defendant's further arguments that the allegedly
ambiguous instruction prevented the jury from giving effect to mitigating
evidence in violation of his rights under the Eighth Amendment to the federal
Constitution, as well as his rights under article I, section 17 of the state
Constitution, must fail. We likewise reject his final argument that defense counsel
was ineffective for failing to object to the instruction; because we conclude there
was no reasonable likelihood the jury was misled, there was no prejudice flowing
from the failure to object.

14 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 982–84.
15

Alleged Brown Error

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The trial court instructed the jury in the language of former CALJIC No. 8.84.2
(1979 rev.): “After having heard all of the evidence, and after having heard and
considered the arguments of counsel, you shall consider, take into account and be
guided by the applicable factors or aggravating and mitigating circumstances
upon which you have been instructed. [¶] If you conclude that the aggravating
circumstances outweigh the mitigating circumstances, you shall impose the
sentence of death. However, if you determine that the mitigating circumstances
outweigh the aggravating circumstances, you shall impose a sentence of
confinement in the state prison for life without the possibility of parole.”
This was the “standard pre-Brown mandatory weighing instruction, which quoted
the language of the statute.” (People v. Avena, supra, 13 Cal.4th at p. 440; see
People v. Brown (1985) 40 Cal.3d 512 [230 Cal.Rptr. 834, 726 P.2d 516], revd.
on another issue sub nom. California v. Brown (1987) 479 U.S. 538 [107 S.Ct.
837, 93 L.Ed.2d 934].) “We acknowledged in Brown, supra, 40 Cal.3d at page
544, footnote 17, that the instruction might in some cases confuse the jury about
its role; specifically, the use of the word 'shall' in the standard instructions raised
concerns the jury might feel legally obligated to impose the death penalty, rather
than appreciating it was to undertake a normative decision to determine whether
the death penalty was appropriate. Thus, the jury might improperly view the
weighing process as prohibiting an individual juror from assigning 'whatever
moral or sympathetic value he deems appropriate' to the mitigating evidence.
(Brown, supra, at pp. 538-541.) We said we would examine the record in each
case to determine whether prejudicial confusion existed.” (People v. Avena,
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supra, at pp. 440-441.)
Defendant relies on the prosecutor's use and emphasis in closing argument of the
word “shall” and contends such argument, coupled with the potentially
misleading pattern instruction, misled the jury into believing it had no choice of
penalty once it concluded the aggravating circumstances outweighed the
mitigating ones. We disagree. Although the prosecutor used the word “shall,”
“[n]owhere did the prosecutor urge the jury to merely count the number of
aggravating and mitigating factors and mechanically or arithmetically impose the
death penalty.” (People v. Sanders (1990) 51 Cal.3d 471, 522 [273 Cal.Rptr. 537,
797 P.2d 561].) Moreover, the prosecutor informed the jury “[t]hat in the end [the
decision] is a moral judgment that each of you will have to make as to the
appropriate weight to be ascribed to each of these factors,” that “[t]here is no
numerical figure that you can place on these [factors],” “[w]hat you have to do is
balance, weigh those factors that you determine to be in mitigation, and I submit
that there are very few in this case, they are entitled to minimal weight in this
case, against the factors in aggravation,” and “[t]here are no numbers. You can't
go through and say we have put one here, two there. You evaluate it. It is a moral
judgment. You have to decide what weight each of these factors is entitled to.
Having done that, you weigh them and determine what the appropriate penalty
is.”
Defense counsel's argument did not contradict the prosecutor's argument on these
points, other than to disagree that the aggravating circumstances outweighed the
mitigating ones, and that death was the appropriate penalty.
There was no Brown error.
Defendant makes a number of subsidiary claims under the general category of
misleading the jury as to its proper role. As we explain below, we reject them:
(a) Defendant argues that former CALJIC No. 8.84.2 (1979 rev.), coupled with
the prosecutor's argument, might have resulted in the jury's failing to understand
“the law does not require a verdict of death unless each juror [individually] finds
that verdict appropriate under all the circumstances.” (Italics added.) We disagree;
we assume the jury followed the instruction that it was “the duty of each of you to
consider the evidence for the purpose of arriving at a verdict if you can do so.
Each of you must decide the case for yourself....” (Italics added.)
(b) Defendant argues some parts of the prosecutor's argument encouraged the jury
to treat factors in isolation rather than collectively. In making this argument,
defendant extracts the statements from their context. The prosecutor clearly told
the jury to weigh all the applicable factors together and then make a “moral”
decision.
(c) To the extent defendant claims the prosecutor's emphasis on the absence of
“excuse” or “license” encouraged the jury to apply an incorrect standard of proof
to the penalty phase, defendant again views the statements in isolation. In any
event, we assume the jury followed the instruction on section 190.3, factor (k):28
the jury should consider “[a]ny other circumstance which extenuates the gravity
of the crime even though it is not a legal excuse for the crime....” (Italics added.)

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--------------------------FOOTNOTE-------------------n.28

This factor was labelled “(j)” in the instructions due to the deletion of
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statutory factor (j): “Whether or not the defendant was an accomplice to the
offense and his participation in the commission of the offense was relatively
minor.”
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(d) To the extent defendant argues the instruction permitting the jury to consider
“sympathy or pity for defendant or his family as a circumstance in mitigation”
“tended to reduce any impact [of sympathy] by separating it from the factors
which aroused it,” causing a “compartmentalization of sympathy,” and fostered in
the jury a misunderstanding of its role (or that the sympathy instruction failed to
negate a budding misunderstanding of the jury's role), we note defense counsel
passionately asked the jury to consider sympathy as a factor in defendant's favor;
to the extent defendant believed the standard sympathy instruction, which was
otherwise a correct statement of law, was somehow misleading because it caused
a “compartmentalization of sympathy,” he should have sought a clarifying
instruction. His failure to do so waived that claim. (People v. Arias (1996) 13
Cal.4th 92, 171 [51 Cal.Rptr.2d 770, 913 P.2d 980].)
(e) To the extent defendant claims the challenged instruction violated his federal
right to due process of law under Hicks v. Oklahoma (1980) 447 U.S. 343 [100
S.Ct. 2227, 65 L.Ed.2d 175], we reject that as well. (People v. Earp, supra, 20
Cal.4th at p. 884 [“we need not consider on appeal mere contentions of error
unaccompanied by legal argument”].)

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15 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 984–87.
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Failure to Instruct on Elements of Assault
As a factor in aggravation, the prosecution introduced evidence of defendant's
conviction for assault with a deadly weapon stemming from his attack on Bonnie
Brown in 1976. Defendant now claims the trial court erred by failing to instruct
the jury, sua sponte, on the elements of assault, which he contends “has a
technical meaning peculiar to the law ... not commonly understood by persons
familiar with the English language.” “We have explained, however, that such an
instruction is not required because 'a defendant for tactical considerations may not
want the penalty phase instructions overloaded with a series of lengthy
instructions on the elements of alleged other crimes, perhaps because he fears that
such instructions could result in the jury placing undue significance on such other
crimes rather than on the central question of whether he should live or die.' ”
(People v. Avena, supra, 13 Cal.4th at p. 435, quoting People v. Phillips (1985)
41 Cal.3d 29, 73, fn. 25 [222 Cal.Rptr. 127, 711 P.2d 423].)
In any event, the evidence shows defendant struck Brown on the back of the head
with a wooden baseball bat, rendering her momentarily unconscious. This is thus
not a case in which the “technical” definition of the crime of assault was at all
relevant, and there is no possibility the jury misunderstood the nature of
defendant's crime against Brown. We reject the claim.

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Alleged Ineffective Assistance of Counsel: Failure to Clarify the Relationship
Between Factors (d) and (k)
Defendant contends defense counsel was ineffective for failing to clarify for the
jury in closing argument that evidence of defendant's mental disturbance that
could be characterized as less than “extreme” (see § 190.3, factor (d)) could still
be considered mitigating under section 190.3, factor (k) (which the jury was told
was factor “(j)”; see fn. 28, ante). Factor (k) provides that the jury may consider
“[a]ny other circumstance which extenuates the gravity of the crime even though
it is not a legal excuse for the crime.”
Counsel discussed the fact of defendant's mental problems at length during her
closing argument and, although she did not specifically refer to section 190.3,
factor (k), we assume the jury followed the instructions permitting it to consider
defendant's mental problems under factor (k). (See People v. Williams, supra, 16
Cal.4th at p. 256.) In any event, it does not appear reasonably probable the result
of the penalty phase would have been different had defense counsel, during her
discussion of defendant's mental problems, referenced factor (k) specifically in
addition to arguing such evidence was mitigating under section 190.3, factors (d)
and (h).

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14 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 987-88.
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Jury Was Misled into Believing It Must Be Unanimous Before It Could Consider a
Mitigating Factor
Defendant argues the interplay between the sanity phase instruction that “[i]n
order to reach a finding all twelve jurors must agree to the decision” (italics
added), the nearly identical penalty phase instruction requiring unanimity for a
penalty verdict, and the penalty phase instruction that “all other instructions
previously read to you which you find to be applicable to this part of the trial
should be considered by you in reaching a decision as to the penalty to be
imposed,” led the jury reasonably to believe that no juror could consider a
mitigating circumstance unless all 12 jurors agreed the factor was established by
the evidence. We disagree, finding it was not reasonably likely the jury
understood the instructions in this manner.
“It is settled that a requirement of unanimity improperly limits consideration of
mitigating evidence. (McKoy v. North Carolina (1990) 494 U.S. 433 [108
L.Ed.2d 369, 110 S.Ct. 1227].)” (People v. Breaux (1991) 1 Cal.4th 281, 314 [3
Cal.Rptr.2d 81, 821 P.2d 585], italics omitted; see also Mills v. Maryland (1988)
486 U.S. 367 [108 S.Ct. 1860, 100 L.Ed.2d 384].) As in Breaux, however, “there
is no indication that the jury was misled in any respect. There was nothing in the
instructions to limit the consideration of mitigating evidence and nothing to
suggest that any particular number of jurors was required to find a mitigating
circumstance. The only requirement of unanimity was for the verdict itself.”
(People v. Breaux, supra, at p. 315; see also People v. Coddington, supra, 23
Cal.4th at p. 641 [“CALJIC No. 8.84.2 ... was not misleading” on this point].) We
note the jury was specifically instructed that each juror must decide the question
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2
3
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of penalty individually: “Both the People and the defendant are entitled to the
individual opinion of each juror.”
We conclude it is not reasonably likely the instructions misled the jury into
believing it must find the existence of mitigating factors unanimously before such
factors could be considered. We also conclude counsel was not ineffective for
failing to object to the penalty phase instructions on this ground.

5 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 988–89.
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28

Constitutional Challenges to the Death Penalty Law
Defendant next raises several arguments that the state's death penalty law is
unconstitutional under the state and federal Constitutions. As outlined below, we
have addressed and rejected these claims in previous opinions, and defendant does
not convince us we should revisit those decisions. Thus, defendant claims various
of his constitutional rights were violated because the death penalty law, and the
jury instructions implementing that law:
Permitted the jury to hear the underlying facts of a prior felony conviction (his
conviction for the 1976 assault of Bonnie Brown) admitted as aggravating
evidence. (People v. Ray, supra, 13 Cal.4th at p. 350; People v. Stanley, supra, 10
Cal.4th at pp. 818-819.)
Failed to inform the jury that the state bears the burden of persuasion at the
penalty phase. (People v. Kipp (1998) 18 Cal.4th 349, 381 [75 Cal.Rptr.2d 716,
956 P.2d 1169]; People v. Jackson, supra, 13 Cal.4th at p. 1239.)
Failed to inform the jury it must unanimously find an aggravating factor exists
before that factor may be considered. (People v. Kipp, supra, 18 Cal.4th at p.
381.)
Failed to inform the jury it must find aggravating circumstances outweigh
mitigating circumstances and that death is an appropriate penalty beyond a
reasonable doubt. (People v. Box (2000) 23 Cal.4th 1153, 1217 [99 Cal.Rptr.2d
69, 5 P.3d 130].) Counsel was not ineffective for failing to request a reasonable
doubt instruction at the penalty phase.
Failed to impose on the jury a standard of proof for the penalty phase. People v.
Carpenter (1997) 15 Cal.4th 312, 417-418 [63 Cal.Rptr.2d 1, 935 P.2d 708].)
Counsel was not ineffective for failing to request that the jury be instructed on
some standard of proof at the penalty phase.
Failed to require the jury provide written findings. (People v. Kraft, supra, 23
Cal.4th at p. 1078; People v. Williams, supra, 16 Cal.4th at pp. 276-277.) Counsel
was not ineffective for failing to request that the jury be required to return written
findings at the penalty phase.
Failed to provide for intercase proportionality review. (People v. Kraft, supra, 23
Cal.4th at p. 1078; People v. Williams, supra, 16 Cal.4th at pp. 278-279.)
Prohibited consideration of mental or emotional disturbances as a mitigating
factor unless such disturbances are “extreme.” (People v. Kraft, supra, 23 Cal.4th
at p. 1078; People v. Williams, supra, 16 Cal.4th at pp. 276-277.)
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10
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12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21

Failed to define the term “extreme” as used in section 190.3, factor (d). (People v.
Arias, supra, 13 Cal.4th at pp. 188-189.)
Failed to clarify that “extreme mental disturbance” as used in section 190.3, factor
(d) can be a mitigating circumstance only. (People v. Ray, supra, 13 Cal.4th at p.
359.)
Granted prosecutors “unbounded” discretion in deciding when to seek the death
penalty. (People v. Kraft, supra, 23 Cal.4th at p. 1078; People v. Williams, supra,
16 Cal.4th at p. 278.)
Failed adequately to narrow eligibility for the death penalty. (People v. Kraft,
supra, 23 Cal.4th at p. 1078; People v. Sakarias (2000) 22 Cal.4th 596, 632 [94
Cal.Rptr.2d 17, 995 P.2d 152].)
Permitted the jury's consideration of nonstatutory aggravating circumstances.
(People v. Earp, supra, 20 Cal.4th at p. 899; People v. Sanchez (1995) 12 Cal.4th
1, 79 [47 Cal.Rptr.2d 843, 906 P.2d 1129].) Counsel was not ineffective for
failing to object to the jury instructions on this ground.
Permitted the jury to believe the absence of mental or emotional disturbance could
be an aggravating factor. (People v. Coddington, supra, 23 Cal.4th at pp. 638-639;
People v. Scott, supra, 15 Cal.4th at p. 1220 [“Although the absence of mitigation
is not itself aggravating, the prosecutor may argue the evidence of mental state
does not in fact mitigate”].)
Permitted the jury generally to believe that the absence of a mitigating factor
could be an aggravating factor. (People v. Davenport (1985) 41 Cal.3d 247, 288290 [221 Cal.Rptr. 794, 710 P.2d 861]; see People v. Coddington, supra, 23
Cal.4th at p. 639 [“the court is not required to instruct that the absence of a
mitigating factor is not itself aggravating”].) Counsel was not ineffective for
failing to object to the jury instructions on this ground.
Permitted the jury to believe defendant's future dangerousness could be an
aggravating factor. (People v. Jackson, supra, 13 Cal.4th at p. 1242; People v.
Ray, supra, 13 Cal.4th at p. 353.)
Prevented the jury from considering all relevant mitigating evidence because of
the use of limiting modifiers such as “extreme” and “substantial.” 29 (People v.
Box, supra, 23 Cal.4th at p. 1217; People v. Turner (1994) 8 Cal.4th 137, 208 [32
Cal.Rptr.2d 762, 878 P.2d 521].)

22
23
24
25
26

--------------------------FOOTNOTE-------------------n.29 For example, section 190.3, factor (g) asks “[w]hether or not the defendant
acted under extreme duress or under the substantial domination of another
person.” (Italics added.)
--------------------END FOOTNOTE--------------------

27
28 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 991–93.
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1

(ii)

Claim 21

2

The Claim was presented to the California Supreme Court in Petitioner’s second state

3 habeas petition (Lod. Doc. 23 at 78-83), and summarily denied on the merits, and in part on
4 procedural grounds (Lod. Doc. 24).
5

(iii)

6

The Claim was presented to the California Supreme Court in Petitioner’s second state

Claim 22

7 habeas petition (Lod. Doc. 23 at 84-87), and summarily denied on the merits (Lod. Doc. 24).
8

b.

Legal Standard

9

(i)

Trial Court Error

10

The standard for trial court error is set out in section VII, B, 1, b, (i), herein.

11

(ii)

12

To obtain federal habeas relief for instructional errors, a petitioner must show that the

Instructional Error

13 instructions given the jury so infected the entire trial that the resulting conviction violates due
14 process. McGuire, 502 U.S. at 72 (citing Cupp v. Naughten, 414 U.S. 141, 147 (1973)).
15

In evaluating a claim of instructional error, a single instruction is not viewed in isolation,

16 but rather in the context of the overall charge. Spivey v. Rocha, 194 F.3d 971, 976 (1999).
17 “[T]he proper inquiry . . . is whether there is a reasonable likelihood that the jury has applied the
18 challenged instruction” in an unconstitutional manner. Boyde v. California, 494 U.S. 370, 380
19 (1990). Additionally, a reviewing court does not engage in a technical parsing of the
20 instruction’s language, but instead approaches the instructions in the same way that the jury
21 would -- with a “commonsense understanding of the instructions in the light of all that has taken
22 place at the trial.” Johnson v. Texas, 509 U.S. 350, 368 (1993). Lastly, federal courts presume
23 that juries follow instructions, including cautionary instructions. Weeks, 528 U.S. at 234; see
24 also Boyde, 494 U.S. at 381-85; Tan v. Runnels, 413 F.3d 1101, 1115 (2005).
25

Any error in the state court’s determination of whether state law supported an instruction

26 in the case cannot form the basis for federal habeas relief. See McGuire, 502 U.S. at 71 (“[T]he
27 Due Process Clause does not permit the federal courts to engage in a finely tuned review of the
28 wisdom of state evidentiary rules”).
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1

In determining whether a petitioner pursuant to § 2254 suffered prejudice from an

2 instructional error, a federal court must determine whether such petitioner suffered actual
3 prejudice by assessing whether, in light of the record as a whole, the error had a substantial and
4 injurious effect or influence in determining the jury's verdict. Hedgpeth v. Pulido, 555 U.S. 57,
5 62 (2008); see also Brecht, 507 U.S. at 637-38. A “substantial and injurious effect” means a
6 “reasonable probability” that the jury would have arrived at a different verdict had the instruction
7 been given. Clark v. Brown, 450 F.3d 898, 916 (9th Cir. 2006).
8

The harmless error analysis applies to instructional errors as long as the error at issue

9 does not categorically vitiate all the jury's findings. Pulido, 555 U.S. at 61 (citing Neder, 527
10 U.S. at 11) (quoting Sullivan v. Louisiana, 508 U.S. 275 (1993)) (concerning erroneous
11 reasonable doubt instructions as constituting structural error). In Hedgpeth, the Court cited its
12 previous decisions that various forms of instructional error were trial errors subject to harmless
13 error analysis, including errors of omitting or misstating an element of the offense or erroneously
14 shifting the burden as to an element. 555 U.S. at 60–61.
15

c.

Analysis

16

(i)

Guilt Phase

17

(A)

Instructional Error

18

Petitioner argues the following instructions to the jury provided insufficient guidance as

19 to the prosecution’s burden of proving the essential elements of the charged offenses beyond a
20 reasonable doubt (see ECF No. 107 at 351-58):
21

CALJIC 2.90 [Presumption of Innocence-Reasonable Doubt-Burden of Proof]

22
23
24

A defendant in a criminal action is presumed to be innocent until the contrary is
proved, and in case of a reasonable doubt whether his guilt is satisfactorily shown,
he is entitled to a verdict of not guilty. This presumption places upon the State the
burden of proving him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

25
26
27
28

Reasonable doubt is defined as follows: It is not a mere possible doubt; because
everything relating to human affairs, and depending on moral evidence, is open to
some possible or imaginary doubt. It is that state of the case which, after the entire
comparison and consideration of all the evidence, leaves the minds of the jurors in
that condition that they cannot say they feel an abiding conviction, to a moral
certainty, of the truth of the charge.
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1

(RT 4446-47; see also CT 1388.)

2

CALJIC 2.02 [Sufficiency of Circumstantial Evidence to Prove Specific Intent] 15

3
The [specific intent] [or] [mental state] with which an act is done may be shown
by the circumstances surrounding the commission of the act. But you may not
find the defendant guilty of the offense charged [in Count(s) 1 and 2], unless the
proved circumstances not only are consistent with the theory that he had the
required [specific intent] [or] [mental state] but cannot be reconciled with any
other rational conclusion.

4
5
6
7

11

Also, if the evidence as to any such specific intent or mental state is susceptible of
two reasonable interpretations, one of which points to the existence of a specific
intent or mental state and the other to the absence of the specific intent or mental
state, it is your duty fair to adopt that interpretation which points to the absence of
the specific intent or mental state. If, on the other hand, one interpretation of the
evidence as to such [specific intent] [or] [mental state] appears to you to be
reasonable and the other interpretation to be unreasonable, it would be your duty
to accept the reasonable interpretation and to reject the unreasonable.

12

(RT 4447-48, cf. CT 1391.)

13

CALJIC 2.01 [Sufficiency of Circumstantial Evidence-Generally]

8
9
10

14
[E]ach fact which is essential to complete a set of circumstances necessary to
establish the defendant’s guilt must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. In other
words, before an inference essential to establish guilt may be found to have been
proved beyond a reasonable doubt, each fact or circumstance upon which such
inference necessarily rests must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt.

15
16
17

Also, if the circumstantial evidence as to any particular count is susceptible of two
reasonable interpretations, one of which points to the defendant’s guilt and the
other to his innocence, it is your duty to adopt that interpretation which
points to the defendant’s innocence, and reject that interpretation which points to
his guilt.

18
19
20

If, on the other hand, one interpretation of such evidence appears to you to be
reasonable and the other interpretation to be unreasonable, it would be your duty
to accept the reasonable interpretation and to reject the unreasonable.

21
22

(RT 4440; CT 1371)
23
24

CALJIC 8.83.1 [Special Circumstances-Sufficiency of Circumstantial Evidence to
Prove Required Intent]

25
26

[I]f the evidence as to the required intent is susceptible of two reasonable
interpretations, one of which points to the existence thereof and the other to the

27
15

The trial court, when orally instructing the jury, omitted the strikeout language and added the underlined

28 language.

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absence thereof, you must adopt that interpretation which points to its absence. If,
on the other hand, one interpretation of the evidence as to the required intent
appears to you to be reasonable and the other interpretation to be unreasonable, it
would be your duty to accept the reasonable interpretation and to reject the
unreasonable.
(RT 4465; CT 1441-1442)

4
5

CALJIC 2.22 [Weighing Conflicting Testimony]

6
7
8
9
10
11

You are not bound to decide in conformity with the testimony of a number of
witnesses, which does not produce conviction in your mind, as against the
testimony of a lesser number or other evidence, which appeals to your mind with
more convincing force. This does not mean that you are at liberty to disregard the
testimony of the greater number of witnesses merely from caprice or prejudice, or
from a desire to favor one side as against the other. It does mean that you are not
to decide an issue by the simple process of counting the number of witnesses who
have testified on the opposing sides. It means that the final test is not in the
relative number of witnesses, but in the relative convicting force of the evidence.

12

(RT 4442-43; CT 1378.)

13

However, the state supreme court reasonably could reject these allegations of

14 instructional error. Due process requires that the government prove every element of a charged
15 offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Victor v. Nebraska, 511 U.S. 1, 5 (1994) (citing In re
16 Winship, 397 U.S. 358 (1970)). “The Constitution neither prohibits trial courts from defining
17 reasonable doubt nor requires them to do so as a matter of course.” Id. (citing Hopt v. People,
18 120 U.S. 430, 440-41 (1887)). A court must instruct the jury “on the necessity that the
19 defendant’s guilt be proven beyond a reasonable doubt,” but “the Constitution does not require
20 that any particular form of words be used in advising the jury of the government’s burden of
21 proof.” Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 320, n.14 (1979). CALJIC 2.90, instructing on proof
22 beyond a reasonable doubt of the essential elements of the charged offenses, has been upheld by
23 the Supreme Court. Drayden v. White, 232 F.3d 704, 715 (9th Cir. 2000); see also Victor, 511
24 U.S. at 5 (no particular words to inform the jury of the burden of proof beyond a reasonable
25 doubt).
26

The state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner failed to demonstrate clearly

27 established federal law that CALJIC 2.90 was constitutionally deficient, or rendered so by the
28 noted instructions on circumstantial evidence, considered in their entirety. See Holland v. U.S.,
120

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1 348 U.S. 121, 140 (1954) (circumstantial evidence is no different from testimonial evidence – if
2 the jury is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt, no more is required); see also Claims 26, 31,
3 33, herein; see Victor, 511 U.S. at 5 (taken as a whole, the instructions must correctly convey the
4 concept of reasonable doubt to the jury).
5

(B)

Harmless Error

6

Petitioner argues these instructional errors rendered the instructions unconstitutionally

7 vague. He argues these errors individually and cumulatively lessened the prosecution’s burden
8 of proving beyond a reasonable doubt the specific intent and mental state required for its theories
9 of first-degree premeditated murder and felony murder, from mandatory to discretionary. (ECF
10 No. 107 at 353-54, citing RT 4483-85; see also ECF No. 210 at 206-10, citing People v. Bloyd,
11 43 Cal. 3d 333, 377-78 (1987) (court not obligated to give CALJIC 2.02 where CALJIC 2.01 is
12 given).
13

However, as noted, a petitioner can only obtain federal habeas relief if the

14 unconstitutional instructions had a substantial influence on the conviction that resulted in actual
15 prejudice under Brecht. Hanna v. Riveland, 87 F.3d 1034, 1039 (9th Cir. 1996). “[T]he proper
16 inquiry is not whether the instruction “could have” been applied in an unconstitutional manner,
17 but whether there is a reasonable likelihood that the jury did so apply it.” McGuire, 502 U.S.
18 62, 72, and n.4.
19

Here, the state supreme court, on the facts and circumstances before it, reasonably could

20 find the alleged instructional error to be harmless under Brecht. That court could find no
21 reasonable likelihood that the jury understood the instructions, taken in their entirety, to allow
22 conviction based on proof insufficient to meet the Winship standard. Petitioner’s suggestion that
23 the noted instruction on consideration of circumstantial evidence rendered ambiguous and
24 lessened the prosecution’s burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt, reasonably could be seen
25 as no more than an exercise in semantic supposition. See Holland, 348 U.S. at 140
26 (circumstantial evidence is no different from testimonial evidence – if the jury is convinced
27 beyond a reasonable doubt, no more is required). Petitioner fails to persuade that a reasonable
28 juror would understand CALJIC 2.01, 2.02, and 8.83.1, to alter the CALJIC 2.90 standard. See
121

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1 Boyde, 494 U.S. at 380–81 (jurors do not parse instructions for subtle shades of meaning, but
2 rather deliberate with a commonsense understanding of the instructions in the light of all that has
3 taken place at the trial). Moreover, the state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner
4 failed to demonstrate clearly established federal law that instructing the jury with CALJIC 2.01,
5 2.02 and 8.83.1 was constitutional error.
6

The fact the trial court misread CALJIC 2.02 when instructing the jury orally is not alone

7 a basis to find error as alleged. (See Claims 7, 20; see also CT 1365, 1615 (the error was
8 corrected in the written version of instructions provided to the jury room).) Any error of only
9 state law is not a basis for federal habeas relief. McGuire, 502 U.S. at 71-72.
10

Additionally, the state supreme court reasonably could find the guilt phase record not

11 suggestive of multiple reasonable interpretations of evidence relating to Petitioner’s specific
12 intent or mental state, for the reasons stated. (See Claims 7, 23, 25, herein.)
13

(ii).

Sanity Phase

14

(A)

Instructional Error

15

Petitioner argues the jury was inadequately instructed on the law and the evidence it was

16 to consider in its sanity determination. (ECF No. 107 at 325-30.)
17

First, Petitioner argues the trial court erred by agreeing to counsel’s request to instruct the

18 jury that guilt phase evidence not be considered at the sanity phase. (ECF No. 107 at 346; see
19 also RT 6774-78; CT 1593.) He observes state law mandating consideration of evidence
20 presented in a prior phase of trial. (See Penal Code 190.4(d).)
21

The state supreme court agreed there was state law statutory error, but reasonably found

22 the error harmless under the facts and circumstances of the case. (See Claim 8, 23, 24.) That
23 court could find Counsel was motivated by reasonable trial tactics given the inconsistent guilt
24 phase and penalty phases defenses, the graphic, violent and sociopathic nature of the guilt phase
25 evidence, and the sanity phase expert testimony which touched upon aspects of Petitioner’s
26 psychosocial history raised during the guilt phase, as a basis for the expert opinion. See Weaver,
27 26 Cal. 4 th at 968–71.) Relatedly, as this Court previously observed, Petitioner’s statements and
28 testimony that he lacked the intent to kill when he planned to knock out Radford and kidnap and
122

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1 rape Levoy (see RT 4371-76, 4381-85, 4388, 4392, 4397, 4499-4503), differed considerably
2 from the sanity phase defense theory that Petitioner suffered lifelong, progressively worsening
3 mental illness which prevented him from conforming his conduct to legal requirements. (ECF
4 No. 209 at 62; see also RT 4500-07.) Also, the guilt phase included particularly harmful
5 testimony by Petitioner’s sister Katie, that he physically and sexually abused her as a child. (See
6 RT 4612-68, 5296-5315; see also Lod. Doc. No. 7 at 184-85.)
7

Next, Petitioner argues the trial court erred by acceding to the prosecutor’s request to

8 modify the insanity defense instructions with a special pinpoint instruction regarding only
9 criminal or antisocial conduct. The record reflects the jury was instructed on the defense of
10 insanity, including that “A person is legally insane if, as a result of mental disease or mental
11 defect, he lacks substantial capacity either to appreciate the criminality of his conduct or to
12 conform his conduct to the requirements of law.” (CT 1603, CALJIC 4.00 (1978 Revision) The
13 jury also was given the special pinpoint instruction that “[t]he terms mental disease or mental
14 defect do not include an abnormality manifested only by repeated criminal or otherwise
15 antisocial conduct.” (CT 1608; see also ECF No. 107 at 326.)
16

Petitioner argues the special pinpoint instruction was confusing and misleading,

17 unwarranted on the facts of his case, and in inaccurate statement of the law as applied to his case.
18 (ECF No. 107 at 327.) He argues the special instruction errantly failed to inform the jury that “if
19 that illness manifests itself in some other way as well, then it can be considered as a mental
20 disease . . . and instances of criminal or antisocial conduct can be ascribed to that disease or cited
21 as evidence of its severity.” (ECF No. 107 at 326; see also id. at 327 citing People v. Fields, 35
22 Cal. 3d. 329, 369 (1983).) He argues that the Fields discussion of insanity in the context of
23 commission of continuous criminal conduct was not meant to eliminate the insanity defense for
24 persons with “legitimate major mental illnesses.” (ECF No. 107 at 327-28.)
25

But the state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner has not demonstrated the

26 special pinpoint instruction was constitutional error. As that court observed, a reasonable juror
27 would view the special instruction as implying that where, as here, evidence of more than
28 criminal conduct is present, such evidence could be considered proof of mental disease or defect.
123

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1 See Weaver, 26 Cal.4th at 968. This Court, in its prior order denying Claims 8 and 9, found the
2 state supreme court reasonable in this regard, observing the commonly used terms and the noted
3 significant evidence of Petitioner’s mental illness and impairments that manifested in conduct
4 other than criminal or antisocial. (See ECF No. 209 at 62-65; see also Claims 3 and 4, herein.)
5

(B)

Harmless Error

6

Petitioner argues these instructional errors had a substantial and injurious influence or

7 effect on the sanity phase verdict. (See e.g., CT 1577-1580.) He argues the exclusion of guilt
8 phase evidence, and the modified special instruction defining mental disease or defect, kept the
9 jury from considering facts of unconsciousness and diminished capacity (see ECF No. 107 at
10 346), and of his non-criminal behavior and conduct, in determining whether he suffered from a
11 mental illness or defect that would have rendered him insane at the time the crimes were
12 committed (ECF No. 107 at 326-29).
13

However, a petitioner can only obtain federal habeas relief if the unconstitutional

14 instructions had a substantial influence on the conviction that resulted in actual prejudice under
15 Brecht. See Hanna, 87 F.3d at 1039. Here, the sanity phase jury was properly instructed that
16 Petitioner had the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that he was legally
17 insane at the time of the crime, even where the record might suggest his periods of lucidity. (CT
18 1606.)
19

Additionally, this Court previously found Petitioner did not demonstrate prejudice arising

20 from Counsel’s failure to seek clarification regarding the special instruction defining mental
21 disease or defect. The Court found the instruction not to be misleading, and that clarif ication
22 was not reasonably required. (ECF No. 209 at 64.) The Court then observed the sanity phase
23 included significant testimony of matters underlying the guilt phase defense, including that
24 Petitioner suffered the effects of amphetamine use and sleep d eprivation, heard voices, and
25 dissociated while he strangled Levoy. (See ECF No. 209 at 61-65; see also ECF No. 107 at 139.)
26

(iii)

Penalty Phase

27

(A)

Instructional Error

28

Petitioner argues the jury was inadequately instructed on the law and the evidence it was
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1 to consider in its sentencing determination. (ECF No. 107 at 330-51.) He argues the instruction
2 on the Penal Code section 190.3 weighing factors was inadequate, that the trial court erred by
3 failing to provide the jurors with guidance in the event they found the aggravating and mitigating
4 evidence to be in equipoise. (ECF No. 107 at 335; ECF No. 210 at 194-95 citing CT 1651-52,
5 1677-78.)
6

Petitioner also argues the trial court’s instruction on the scope of the jury’s sentencing

7 discretion was inadequate. He argues he trial court’s instruction, with language disapproved and
8 modified in People v. Brown, 40 Cal. 3d 512, 538-41 (1985), judgment reversed by California v.
9 Brown, 479 U.S. 538 (1987), that the jury “shall” impose a sentence of death if aggravating
10 circumstances outweighed mitigating circumstances, misled the jury about the scope of its
11 sentencing discretion by suggesting it cannot give full effect to the mitigating evidence presented
12 at trial. (ECF No. 210 at 195.) He argues the error denied him due process in the event the jury
13 voted for a sentence of death where the aggravation did not outweigh the mitigation. (ECF No.
14 107 at 335 citing to then applicable CALJIC 8.84.2.)
15

Particularly, he argues the instruction “failed to inform the jury that California’s statutory

16 scheme does not require any juror to vote for the death penalty unless, as a result of the weighing
17 process, the juror personally determines that death is the appropriate penalty under all the
18 circumstances.” (ECF No. 107 at 336.) He argues the instruction “permitted the prosecutor to
19 unconstitutionally argue that individual jurors should employ a mechanistic counting of factors
20 that required a vote for death if the aggravating circumstances outweighed the mitigating
21 circumstances regardless of the juror’s personal assessment of the appropriateness of the
22 penalty.” (ECF No. 107 at 336; see also ECF No. 210 at 195-96 citing RT 7026; Mills v.
23 Maryland, 486 U.S. 367, 374-76 (1988).) He argues the instruction permitted the prosecutor to
24 “undermine[] petitioner’s right to have the jury consider any other circumstance that extenuated
25 the gravity of the offense even though not a legal “excuse” for the crime as allowed for by then
26 applicable CALJIC No.8.84.1 (k).” (ECF No. 107 at 337.)
27

However, the state supreme court reasonably could reject these allegations. The record

28 reflects the jury was instructed on the CALJIC 8.84.1 (Penal Code section 190.3) sentencing
125

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1 factors (see CT 1651-1652); consideration of the sentencing factors (CT 1677); the necessity of
2 proof beyond a reasonable doubt as to facts supporting aggravating criminal activity and prior
3 felony convictions (CT 1651-1655); consideration of sympathy or pity for the defendant (CT
4 1644); and consideration of the penalty phase instructions in their entirety (CT 1645).
5

Particularly, the jury was instructed pursuant to CALJIC 8.84.2 “[i]f you conclude that

6 the aggravating circumstances outweigh the mitigating circumstances, you shall impose a
7 sentence of death. However, if you determine that the mitigating circumstances outweigh the
8 aggravating circumstances, you shall impose a sentence of confinement in the state prison for life
9 without the possibility of parole.” (CT 1677.) The United States Supreme Court has found the
10 “shall impose” language of CALJIC 8.84.2 does not unconstitutionally prevent an individualized
11 sentencing assessment. Boyde, 494 U.S. at 377. Moreover, the instructions otherwise,
12 considered in their entirety were constitutionally sufficient, for the reasons stated. (See Claims
13 9, 26, 31, 33, herein; ECF No. 209 at 77-78.) Notably, Petitioner concedes the jury was
14 instructed with catchall instruction CALJIC 8.84.1(j), [regarding Penal Code section 190.3(k)].
15 (ECF No. 107 at 341-43, incorporating [previously denied] Claim 9.)
16

Petitioner argues the trial court erred by failing to specifically define “assault,” for

17 purposes of aggravating factor (b) prior criminal activity, assault with a deadly weapon. He
18 argues the instruction read the elements of assault with a deadly weapon or by means of force
19 likely to produce great bodily injury, but failed to define assault for the jury, leaving the jurors
20 without guidance of what is necessary to a proper consideration of the evidence. (ECF No. 107
21 at 337.) However, as noted by the supreme court in its direct appeal order, the allegation fails
22 given a common sense reading of the instructions upon the facts and circumstances of this case.
23 (See Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 987.) Notably, the jury was instructed on assault with a deadly
24 weapon or by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury, including elements of assault
25 and use of a deadly weapon (CT 1656-1657), and battery (CT 1664-1666).
26

Petitioner argues the trial court erred by failing to clarify that sanity phase instruction

27 CALJIC 4.00 (that a person is legally insane “if, as a result of mental disease or defect, he lacks
28 substantial capacity either to appreciate the criminality of his conduct or to conform his conduct
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1 to the requirements of the law”) did not apply to penalty phase consideration of mitigation under:
2 CALJIC 8.84.1(d) [Penal Code section 190.3 (d)] (“w]hether or not the offense was committed
3 while the defendant as under the influence of extreme mental or emotional disturbance[,]) and
4 CALJIC 8.84.1(h) [Penal Code section 190.3(h)] (“[w]hether or not at the time of the offense the
5 capacity of the defendant to appreciate the criminality of his conduct or to conform his conduct
6 to the requirements of law was impaired as a result of mental disease or defect, or the effects of
7 intoxication.”). (See ECF No. 107 at 332-41.)
8

However, the state supreme court could find no reasonable likelihood the jury

9 misunderstood these “readily apparent” differing standards. See Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 980-84;
10 Boyde, (1990) 494 U.S. at 380-381 (“We think the proper inquiry in such a case is whether there
11 is a reasonable likelihood that the jury has applied the challenged instruction in a way that
12 prevents the consideration of constitutionally relevant evidence.”); (see also Claims 9, 26, 31, 33,
13 herein). Although the jury was instructed at the penalty phase to consider “all other instructions
14 previously read to you which you find to be applicable to this part of the trial[,]” (CT 1644), the
15 jury was specifically instructed with the Penal Code section 190.3 sentencing factors including
16 the noted subfactors (d) and (h), as well as the catchall subfactor (k) [modified by the trial court
17 to be read as subfactor (j)] (“[a]ny other circumstances which extenuates the gravity of the crime
18 even though it is not a legal excuse for the crime [and any other aspect of the defendant’s
19 character or record that the defendant offers as a basis for a sentence less then death].”) (See CT
20 1651-1652.) To the extent Petitioner supports alleged instructional error by pointing to the
21 argument of Counsel at the penalty phase, the jury was instructed such argument was not
22 evidence. (See CT 1646.)
23

Petitioner argues the instructions otherwise were constitutionally infirm and resulted in

24 an unreliable verdict on other grounds that have been consistently rejected by the state supreme
25 court. (ECF No. 107 at 337-43.) He argues the jurors should have been instructed that:
26 aggravating factors be found unanimously and beyond a reasonable doubt; aggravating factors
27 must outweigh mitigating factors beyond a reasonable doubt; and death be found the appropriate
28 penalty beyond a reasonable doubt. (Id., incorporating the allegations of Claim 33, arguing
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1 ambiguity in CALJIC 8.84.2 [CT 1677] (that “[i]n order to make a determination as to the
2 penalty, all twelve jurors must agree”); see also ECF No. 210 at 197-98.)
3

Petitioner argues the jurors should have been required to make written findings on

4 aggravating and mitigating factors. (ECF No. 107 at 341; ECF No. 210 at 197-98.) He argues
5 that he was denied equal protection, an individualized sentence, and meaningful sentence
6 review, to the extent written findings are required in non-capital cases. (Id., citing to Penal Code
7 § 1170(c); Myers v. Ylst, 897 F.2d 417, 421 (9th Cir. 1990); Ring v. Arizona, 536 U.S. 584, 6058 606 (2002). He argues the trial court erred by instructing the jury that “[it] could only consider
9 evidence of petitioner’s mental or emotional disturbance at the time of the offenses as mitigating
10 if it was “extreme” or “substantial.” (ECF No. 107 at 341, citing CALJIC 8.84.1(d).)
11

Petitioner argues the instructions impermissibly allowed the jury to consider nonstatutory

12 aggravating evidence of Petitioner’s character, personality, mental state evidence, and in-prison
13 therapy. (ECF No. 107 at 344-45 citing CALJIC 8.84.1 [which provides that “[I]n determining
14 which penalty is to be imposed on defendant, you shall consider all of the evidence which has
15 been received during any part of the trial of this case. You shall consider, take into account and
16 be guided by the following factors, if relevant . . . .”]; see also ECF No. 107 at 344-45.) He
17 argues CALJIC 8.84.1 impermissibly suggested that the absence of mitigation evidence under
18 Penal Code section 190.3 factors (b)(d) and (h) could be treated as aggravating evidence. (ECF
19 No. 107 at 349-50.)
20

However, the California Supreme Court reasonably could reject these allegations.

21 Petitioner failed to proffer clearly established federal authority supporting his position. (See
22 Claims 9, 26, 31, 33, herein); see also Williams v. Calderon, 52 F. 3d 1465, 1484-85 (9th Cir.
23 1995) (California’s death penalty statute “ensures meaningful appellate review, and need not
24 require written jury findings in order to be constitutional”); Harris v. Pulley, 692 F.2d 1189,
25 1195-96 (1982), judgment reversed by Pulley v. Harris, 465 U.S. 37, 53-54 (1984) (upholding
26 California’s death penalty process).
27

Finally, Petitioner argues the trial court erred by instructing the jury, at the sanity phase

28 and by implication at the penalty phase, that it was precluded from “considering the truth of
128

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1 Petitioner’s statements on the Vietnam Era Stress Inventory (VESI) videotape during penalty
2 phase deliberations.” (ECF No. 107 at 348-49 citing CALJIC 2.10 [that Petitioner’s statements
3 to medical experts could be considered only for the limited purpose of showing the information
4 upon which the medical experts based their opinion and not as evidence of the truth of the facts
5 disclosed by defendant’s statements]; see CT 1591, 1614; see also ECF No. 210 at 199-204.) He
6 argues the California Supreme Court erred as well, misinterpreting the Eighth Amendment by
7 finding on direct appeal that state evidentiary (hearsay) rules prevented consideration of
8 Petitioner’s VESI statements as substantive evidence in mitigation. (ECF No. 210 at 202 citing
9 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 980; Green v. Georgia, 442 U.S. 95 (1979)) (the hearsay rule may not be
10 applied mechanistically to defeat the ends of justice); McKinney v. Ryan, 813 F.3d 798, 819 (9th
11 Cir. 2015) (en banc) (rejecting Arizona’s “causal nexus” restriction on mitigating evidence); see
12 also Hedlund v. Ryan, 854 F.3d 557, 583-87 (9th Cir. 2017) (sentencer in a death penalty
13 proceeding to fully consider all the mitigating evidence presented in the weighing process).
14

However, the state supreme court reasonably could find the VESI tape evidence was not

15 admissible as substantive evidence, for the reasons stated by that court. See Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th
16 at 979-82. Moreover, state court rulings on admissibility of evidence are not a basis for federal
17 habeas relief unless Petitioner was denied a fundamentally fair trial. McGuire, 502 U.S. at 68
18 (“[I]t is not the province of a federal habeas court to reexamine state court determinations on
19 state law questions.”); Johnson v. Sublett, 63 F.3d 926, 930 (9th Cir. 1995) (same).

The

20 Supreme Court has “never questioned the power of States to exclude evidence through the
21 application of evidentiary rules that themselves serve the interests of fairness and reliability 22 even if the defendant would prefer to see that evidence admitted.” Crane v. Kentucky, 476 U.S.
23 683, 690 (1986).

Particularly, the state supreme court reasonably could find, contrary to

24 Petitioner’s argument, that the VESI statements were not the kind of “highly reliable and
25 relevant” extrinsic evidence admitted in Green.

442 U.S. at 97. For instance, Petitioner’s

26 statements were made by him in preparation of his insanity defense, whereas in Green the
27 statements were made by and against the penal interests of a co-perpetrator and otherwise
28 corroborated.
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1

(B)

Harmless Error

2

Petitioner argues the alleged penalty phase instructional errors had a substantial and

3 injurious influence or effect on the penalty verdict. (ECF No. 107 at 351.) He suggests the state
4 supreme court applied the wrong standard, considered whether the allegedly deficient
5 instructions created “prejudicial confusion,” when it should have considered whether there was a
6 “reasonable likelihood” that the jury applied the instruction to restrict the full use of the
7 mitigating evidence. (ECF No. 210 at 196 citing Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 985; People v. Avena,
8 13 Cal. 4th 394, 440-41 (1996).) However, the state supreme court’s reference to the possibility
9 the allegedly errant instruction resulted in “prejudicial confusion” was in the context of that
10 court’s express application of the noted Boyde standard for instructional error. See Weaver, 26
11 Cal. 4th at 984–87; see also Brecht, 507 U.S. at 637-38 (a “substantial and injurious effect”
12 means a “reasonable probability” that the jury would have arrived at a different verdict had the
13 instruction been given); Clark, 450 F.3d at 916 (same).
14

Petitioner argues the above alleged errors were prejudicial at the penalty phase because

15 the jury considered non-statutory aggravating evidence and was prevented from giving
16 mitigating effect to evidence of his mental impairments. (ECF No. 107 at 330-33.) Particularly,
17 he argues jurors were left “without guidance in a case in which one or more of the jurors might
18 have believed that the evidence in aggravation was counterbalanced by the evidence about
19 Petitioner’s long history of mental illness.” (ECF No. 107 at 335.) Relatedly, he points to the
20 trial court’s failure to specifically instruct the jury which, if any guilt and sanity phase
21 instructions applied at the penalty phase.16 (Id.) He points to the prosecutor’s argument that “the
22 consideration and role of Petitioner’s mental state evidence during the penalty phase was simply
23 a sanity phase re-run.”

(ECF No. 107 at 334 citing RT 7016, 7022-7023.) He points to the

24 prosecutor’s argument that “the substantial aggravating evidence introduced in the trial
25 compelled a death sentence” and that “you as jurors have taken an oath to follow the law.” (Id.
26 at 197 citing RT 7026.)
27
28

As noted, the trial court instructed the penalty phase jury that “all other instructions previously read to you [the
jurors] which you find to be applicable to this part of the trial should be considered by you in reaching a decis ion as
to the penalty to be imposed.” (ECF No. 107 at 331; see also RT 7040; CT 1644.)
16

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1

However, here again the state supreme court could find no reasonable possibility the jury

2 was misled about its sentencing responsibility and discretion under Boyde. See Brecht, 507 U.S.
3 at 637-38 (a “substantial and injurious effect” means a “reasonable probability” that the jury
4 would have arrived at a different verdict had the instruction been given). Although the jury was
5 instructed at the penalty phase to consider “all other instructions previously read to you which
6 you find to be applicable to this part of the trial[,]” (CT 1644) it also was specifically instructed
7 with the Penal Code section 190.3 sentencing factors including the noted subfactors (d) and (h),
8 as well as the noted catchall subfactor (k) [modified by the trial court to be read as subfactor (j)]
9 (see CT 1651-1652). To the extent Petitioner relies upon the argument of Counsel at the penalty
10 phase, the jury was instructed such argument was not evidence. (See CT 1646.)
11

Petitioner further argues the noted lack of explicit findings on aggravating and mitigating

12 factors precludes meaningful appellate and post-conviction review and represents a structural
13 defect that renders the capital sentence invalid. (ECF No. 210 at 198.)
But as noted, the Supreme Court has upheld California’s death penalty process. (See

14

15 Harris, 465 U.S. at 53-54; see also Claims 23, 26, 31, 33.) Also, Petitioner does not point to
16 facts in the record that the jury improperly considered evidence in aggravating or failed to
17 consider evidence in mitigation.
18

d.

Conclusions

19

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of Claims 20, 21, and 22

20 as alleged trial court error was not contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly
21 established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable
22 determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28
23 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
24

Claims 20, 21 and 22 as alleged trial court error shall be denied.

25

7.

26

Petitioner alleges that the trial court erred by refusing to excuse jurors “for cause” during

Claim 16

27 voir dire, violating his rights under the Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments. 17
28

17

Petitioner states that he incorporates the factual basis of Claims 1, 2, 6, and 15. (ECF No. 107 at 297.)

131

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1 (ECF No. 107 at 296-300.)
2

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

3

The Claim was presented to the California Supreme Court on direct appeal (Lod. Doc. 1

4 at 94-110), and denied on the merits and in-part on procedural grounds, as follows:
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28

During voir dire, two venirepersons questioned by defense counsel expressed the
general belief that the death penalty was the appropriate penalty for all murders.
Defendant challenged the prospective jurors for cause. In each instance, the
prosecutor questioned the prospective juror and rehabilitated him somewhat. The
trial court denied defendant's challenges for cause, leading defendant to excuse
each venireperson by exercising a peremptory challenge. Defendant now contends
the trial court's failure to excuse the two prospective jurors for cause violated his
rights under the state and federal Constitutions. We disagree.
The state and federal constitutional guarantees of a trial by an impartial jury
include the right in a capital case to a jury whose members will not automatically
impose the death penalty for all murders, but will instead consider and weigh the
mitigating evidence in determining the appropriate sentence. (People v.
Crittenden (1994) 9 Cal.4th 83, 120-121 [36 Cal.Rptr.2d 474, 885 P.2d 887].)
“[A] juror may be challenged for cause based upon his or her views concerning
capital punishment only if those views would 'prevent or substantially impair' the
performance of the juror's duties as defined by the court's instructions and the
juror's oath.” (Id. at p. 121, quoting Wainwright v. Witt (1985) 469 U.S. 412, 424
[105 S.Ct. 844, 852, 83 L.Ed.2d 841].) If the death penalty is imposed by a jury
containing even one juror who would vote automatically for the death penalty
without considering the mitigating evidence, “the State is disentitled to execute
the sentence.” (Morgan v. Illinois (1992) 504 U.S. 719, 729 [112 S.Ct. 2222,
2230, 119 L.Ed.2d 492].)
Assessing the qualifications of jurors challenged for cause is a matter falling
within the broad discretion of the trial court. (People v. Rodrigues (1994) 8
Cal.4th 1060, 1146 [36 Cal.Rptr.2d 235, 885 P.2d 1].) The trial court must
determine whether the prospective juror will be “unable to faithfully and
impartially apply the law in the case.” (Id. at p. 1147.) A juror will often give
conflicting or confusing answers regarding his or her impartiality or capacity to
serve, and the trial court must weigh the juror's responses in deciding whether to
remove the juror for cause. The trial court's resolution of these factual matters is
binding on the appellate court if supported by substantial evidence. (Ibid.)
“[W]here equivocal or conflicting responses are elicited regarding a prospective
juror's ability to impose the death penalty, the trial court's determination as to his
true state of mind is binding on an appellate court. [Citations.]” (People v. Ghent
(1987) 43 Cal.3d 739, 768 [239 Cal.Rptr. 82, 739 P.2d 1250].)
Applying these rules to this case, we conclude the trial court did not abuse its
discretion in denying defendant's two challenges for cause. At the threshold, we
note that a defendant challenging on appeal the denial of a challenge for cause
must fulfill a trio of procedural requirements: (1) the defense must exercise a
peremptory challenge to remove the juror in question; (2) the defense must
exhaust all available peremptory challenges; and (3) the defense must express
dissatisfaction with the jury as finally constituted. (People v. Crittenden, supra, 9
Cal.4th at p. 121.) In this case, defense counsel moved to excuse Prospective
132

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1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Jurors B.M. and F.M. for cause, each challenge was denied, and counsel exercised
a peremptory challenge to remove each juror. Counsel subsequently exhausted the
26 peremptory challenges then granted by statute. (Pen. Code, former § 1070,
subd. (a), repealed by Stats. 1988, ch. 1245, § 30, p. 4155; see now Code Civ.
Proc., § 231, subd. (a), added by Stats. 1988, ch. 1245, § 2, p. 4152 [granting each
side 20 peremptory challenges in a capital case].)
Defense counsel failed, however, to express on the record his dissatisfaction with
the jury. Defendant concedes as much. Accordingly, the issue was not preserved
for appeal, as it is possible that counsel, despite initial misgivings, was ultimately
satisfied with the overall composition of the jury. Also possible is that, had
counsel expressed dissatisfaction, the trial court would have allowed him to
exercise additional peremptory challenges. (See People v. Bittaker (1989) 48
Cal.3d 1046, 1087 [259 Cal.Rptr. 630, 774 P.2d 659].)

14

Although a procedural obstacle thus exists to reaching this issue on appeal, we do
not, for several reasons, rest our decision solely on this procedural lacuna. First,
language in past cases suggested that counsel's expression of dissatisfaction with
the jury was not always a necessary prerequisite to challenging on appeal a trial
court's decision denying a challenge for cause. (E.g., People v. Crittenden, supra,
9 Cal.4th at p. 121, fn. 4.) Second, defendant argues it is “inconceivable” that
counsel was satisfied with the jury, as it contained one juror with strong ties to the
law enforcement community who stated on voir dire that he believed the death
penalty was warranted for any premeditated murder. Third, because the presence
of even a single juror compromising the impartiality of the jury requires reversal,
counsel would be constitutionally ineffective if he had failed to voice
dissatisfaction with the jury as constituted, all the while knowing a biased juror
was sitting among the 12 seated jurors. We thus turn to the merits.

15

a. Juror B.M.

16

Juror B.M., a refinery worker, professed knowing almost nothing about the case.
He informed the court that he could impose either the death penalty or a life
sentence without the possibility of parole, depending on all the evidence he heard.
But when defense counsel Donnalee Huffman asked him his views concerning the
death penalty, Mr. B.M. stated that, “as a taxpayer, I am personally in favor of it.”
He admitted he was more apt to impose a sentence of death over life
imprisonment and, when asked whether there was “any other way that you could
vote,” he replied, “I don't believe so.”

9
10
11
12
13

17
18
19
20
21
22
23

The prosecutor, Ronald Shumaker, then explained to the juror the penalty phase
process, with the People presenting aggravating evidence and the defense
presenting mitigating evidence. He further explained that the trial court would
instruct the jury to weigh the two sides before coming to a decision on the
appropriate penalty. The following then occurred:

24

“Q [Mr. Shumaker] Could you, if the Court instructs you in that regard, f ollow
those instructions and make a decision on that kind of a standard?

25

“A [Juror B.M.] Yes, on that standard, yes.

26
27

“Q Even though you may feel that the life without parole is an expensive process,
you could still render that decision if in fact you felt that the factors favoring [a
life term] outweighed those favoring the death penalty?

28

“A Yes, I could.”
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1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26

This record indicates that although Juror B.M. initially expressed the view he
would automatically vote for the death penalty, when informed of the penalty
phase process he retracted that rigid position and professed a willingness and
ability to follow the trial court's instructions to weigh all the evidence before
coming to a penalty decision. The trial court obviously credited this latter
testimony in denying the challenge for cause. Substantial evidence supports the
trial court's factual determination. We thus find no abuse of discretion in the
court's denial of the challenge to Juror B.M. for cause.
b. Juror F.M.
When questioned by the trial court, Juror F.M. affirmed his ability to vote for life
imprisonment without the possibility of parole if, based on all the facts, it was the
appropriate penalty. He could also vote for the death penalty. When questioned by
co-counsel for the defense, Donnalee Huffman, however, Juror F.M. stated that
“if a person's life is taken and he is found guilty, then he should be sentenced to
death.” When asked whether “every murder conviction should be given the death
penalty,” Juror F.M. replied, “Well, I think so, yes, murder conviction, yes.” He
admitted he was “death penalty prone” and that he believed the death penalty was
the proper punishment “in almost every situation.” He also stated, however, that
he could consider sympathy and mercy and that to vote for a life sentence, he
would look for mitigating factors such as medical and psychiatric testimony. He
several times averred he would have to hear the evidence from the entire case
before making up his mind.
Mr. Shumaker explained to the juror the penalty phase process, including the
necessity of weighing the aggravating and mitigating evidence, and asked him
whether, “[i]f the Court tells you that that's the law and the instruction you are to
follow in this case, do you feel that you could do that?” He replied , “Yes, life
without parole, yes.” He also affirmed that he could judge both sides of the issue
by “the same standard.”
As with Juror B.M., the record indicates that although Juror F.M. initially asserted
that he would automatically vote for the death penalty, he modified his view when
informed by the prosecutor of the penalty phase process. He then affirmed his
willingness and ability to follow the trial court's instructions to weigh all the
evidence before coming to a penalty decision. We cannot say the trial court's
decision to credit these statements was made in the absence of substantial
evidence, or that its decision to deny the challenge for cause was an abuse of
discretion.
In the alternative, defendant argues the trial court's erroneous denial of his two
challenges for cause forced him to excuse Jurors B.M. and F.M. by exercising two
of his peremptory challenges, thereby infringing on his federal constitutional right
to a state-created liberty interest in his full statutory complement of peremptory
challenges. He claims he should not be forced to surrender one constitutional right
(his asserted state-created liberty interest in a full complement of peremptory
challenges) to vindicate another constitutional right (his right to a jury free from
biased jurors). We rejected this argument in People v. Gordon (1990) 50 Cal.3d
1223, 1248, footnote 4,4 [270 Cal.Rptr. 451, 792 P.2d 251], 4 and defendant does
not convince us we should reconsider that decision.

27
28

--------------------FOOTNOTE-------------------134

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1

n.4 People v. Gordon, supra, 50 Cal.3d 1223, was overruled on another point in
People v. Edwards (1991) 54 Cal.3d 787, 835 [1 Cal.Rptr.2d 696, 819 P.2d 436].

2

--------------------END FOOTNOTE--------------------

3
4
5
6

We conclude defendant failed to preserve this issue for appeal, and that even if
the issue were properly before us, he does not demonstrate the trial court abused
its wide discretion when it denied his challenge to Jurors B.M. and F.M. for
cause. Moreover, because neither prospective juror actually sat on defendant's
jury, he was not deprived of his constitutional right to an impartial jury. (Ross v.
Oklahoma (1988) 487 U.S. 81, 86 [108 S.Ct. 2273, 2277, 101 L.Ed.2d 80].)

7
8 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 909–14.
9

b.

Legal Standard

10

(i)

Trial Court Error

11

The standard for trial court error is set out in section VII, B, 1, b, (i), herein.

12

(ii)

13

The standard for trial by a fair and impartial jury is set out in section VII, B, 2, b, (ii),

Trial by a Fair and Impartial Jury

14 herein.
15

c.

Analysis

16

Petitioner argues the trial court erred by failing to excuse jurors who clearly expressed

17 during voir dire they could not be fair and impartial in deciding whether to impose the death
18 penalty, impairing and limiting defense exercise of peremptory challenges, and resulting in a jury
19 predisposed to verdicts of guilt, death eligibility, sanity, and death.
20

(i)

Proceedings at Voir Dire

21

Petitioner faults the trial court for denying Counsel’s “for cause” challenge of prospective

22 juror Brian Morrell. Petitioner argues Morrell’s voir dire responses clearly favored the death
23 penalty (RT 1912-13) and showed a clear inability to fully consider a mitigation defense (RT
24 1916), notwithstanding Morrell’s subsequent responses that he could follow the trial court’s
25 instructions (RT 1914-15).
26

Petitioner also faults the trial court for denying Counsel’s “for cause” challenge of

27 prospective juror Fred Moore. Petitioner argues Moore’s voir dire responses revealed an
28 unequivocal predisposition towards the death penalty generally (RT 2229-31), and in this case to
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1 the extent of what he then knew of the case (id.), notwithstanding subsequent responses that he
2 could consider sympathy or mercy and follow the court’s instructions and weigh penalty phase
3 evidence and vote for either life without parole (hereinafter “LWOP”), or death, depending upon
4 the facts and overwhelming evidence in support (RT 2232-34). Petitioner suggests Moore’s voir
5 dire responses also clearly showed his personal belief that California would never execute
6 anyone, making it easier for him to vote for the death penalty. (RT 2235.)
7

Petitioner observes Counsel had to remove by peremptory challenge both Moore (RT

8 2824) and Morrell (RT 2950), and that Counsel ultimately used all 26 available peremptory
9 challenges. (See ECF No. 107 at 299 citing RT 2675, 2695, 2715, 2728, 2730, 2747, 2778,
10 2797, 2807, 2824, 2833, 2846, 2868, 2884, 2902, 2918, 2928, 2934, 2936, 2950, 2953, 2956,
11 2969, 2989, 3008, 3045.) The Supreme Court has held that a prospective juror in a capital case
12 may be dismissed for cause if the juror’s views on the death penalty “would prevent or
13 substantially impair the performance of his duties as a juror in accordance with his instructions
14 and his oath.” Wainwright v. Witt, 469 U.S. 412, 424 (1985). “[I]n applying this standard,
15 reviewing courts are to accord deference to the trial court.” Uttecht v. Brown, 551 U.S. 1, 7
16 (2007). “[W]hen there is ambiguity in the prospective juror’s statements, the trial court, aided as
17 it undoubtedly [is] by its assessment of [the venireman’s] demeanor, [is] entitled to resolve it in
18 favor of the State.” Id. Moreover, the state court’s findings on factual issues are entitled to a
19 presumption of correctness on federal habeas review. Witt, 469 U.S. at 426; see also 28 U.S.C. §
20 2254(e)(1).
21

Here, the state supreme court was not unreasonable in rejecting these allegations for the

22 reasons stated by that court. That court reasonably could find both prospective jurors were
23 adequately rehabilitated on the record, stating their ability to follow penalty phase instructions
24 relative to the facts before them and following a weighing process select either LWOP or death.
25 That court reasonably could have found the trial court’s discretionary denial of the “for cause”
26 challenges of such rehabilitated prospective jurors was not an abuse of discretion.
27

(ii)

Harmless Error

28
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Petitioner argues that as a result of the trial court’s error, he was forced to accept two

1

2 jurors who were predisposed to favor the prosecution, knew, or were related to law enforcement
3 members or prosecution witnesses, or who had committed misconduct. (ECF No. 107 at 2994 300.)
5

However, even if the trial court erred as alleged, any such error was harmless. Both of

6 the noted prospective jurors were removed by peremptory challenge prior to empanelment.
7 Petitioner has not provided authority that expenditure of peremptory challenge in this
8 circumstance violated his federal rights. See e.g., United States v. Martinez-Salazar, 528 U.S.
9 304, 311 (2000) (the right to peremptory challenges is not guaranteed by the United States
10 Constitution). The Supreme Court has found that a defendant’s Sixth Amendment rights are not
11 violated where he had to use a peremptory challenge to remove a juror who should have been
12 removed for cause. Ross v. Oklahoma, 487 U.S. 81, 86-89 (1988). Here, the jury that was
13 ultimately empaneled on November 26, 1984 reasonably could be seen as impartial. (Martinez14 Salazar, 528 U.S. at 313-17; see also CT 1279.)
15

Here again, any error of state law is not alone a basis for federal habeas relief. (Coleman,

16 501 U.S. at 729.)
17

d.

Conclusions

18

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of the Claim was not

19 contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by
20 the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the
21 evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
22
23
24
25
26
27
28

Claim 16 shall be denied.
8.
Claim 18
Petitioner alleges the trial court erred by failing sua sponte to conduct an examination of
jurors who allegedly slept during sanity phase testimony, to determine if they had, if fact, been
inattentive. (ECF No. 107 at 312-13.)
a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

The Claim was presented to the California Supreme Court in Petitioner’s second state
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1 habeas petition (Lod. Doc. 23 at 61-77), and summarily denied on the merits, and in part on
2 procedural grounds (Lod. Doc. 24).
3

b.

Legal Standard

4

(i)

Trial Court Error

5

The standard for trial court error is set out in section VII, B, 1, b, (i), herein.

6

(ii)

7

The standard for trial by a fair and impartial jury is set out in section VII, B, 2, b, (ii),

Trial by a Fair and Impartial Jury

8 herein.
9
10

c.

Analysis

Petitioner argues that, after Second Counsel raised juror inattentiveness to evidence

11 presented during the sanity phase as a basis for her unsuccessful oral and written motion for new
12 trial pursuant to Penal Code section 1181.4, that the verdict was by lot or by any means other
13 than a fair expression of opinion by all the jurors (see RT 5422-23, 6800-01, 7070-92; CT 171114 1722), and the trial court erred “in failing to sua sponte conduct an examination of [certain]
15 jurors to determine if they had, in fact, been inattentive during the sanity phase testimony” (Lod.
16 Doc. 23 at 69). See also ECF No. 210 at 312-13).
17

(i)

Juror Inattention

18

Petitioner argues the trial court erred in failing to hold a hearing to determine whether

19 jurors had been asleep and, if so, whether the juror had missed essential portions of the trial; and
20 whether the jurors’ conduct had resulted in substantial prejudice to the accused, meaning
21 deprivation of the continued, objective, and disinterested judgment of the juror, thereby
22 foreclosing the Petitioner’s right to a fair trial.” (Lod Doc. 23 at 67-71.)
23

California provides for dismissal of a sworn juror upon a showing of good cause when

24 facts are discovered from which it can reasonably be concluded that the juror, originally thought
25 to be unbiased, actually cannot be fair and impartial. See People v. Diaz, 105 Cal.App.2d. 690.
26 697 (Ct. App. 1951); Penal Code §§ 1089, 1120, and 1123 (repealed by Stats.1988, c. 1245, §
27 42.). The trial court must make at least a preliminary inquiry into the facts of impartiality,
28 provided a formal hearing is required where personal knowledge of facts in issue is alleged. See
138

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1 People v. Burgener, 41 Cal.3d 505, 518-19 (1986), disapproved of on other grounds by People v.
2 Reyes, 19 Cal. 4th 743, 968 P.2d 445 (1998) (citing People v. McNeal, 90 Cal. App. 3d 830, 837
3 (Ct. App. 1979); see also People v. Davis (1995) 10 Cal.4th 463, 547 (1995) (a trial judge “must
4 conduct a sufficient inquiry to determine facts alleged as juror misconduct whenever the court is
5 put on notice that good cause to discharge a juror may exist.”).
6

The determination of “good cause” rests in the sound discretion of the court. People v.

7 Abbott, 47 Cal.2d 362, 371 (1956); see also Burgener 41 Cal.3d at 520 (1986) (the trial court's
8 good cause finding will be upheld if substantial evidence supports it). However, a juror's
9 inability to perform as a juror must “appear in the record as a demonstrable reality.” People v.
10 Compton, 6 Cal. 3d 55, 60 (1971), abrogation on other grounds recognized by People v. Fuiava,
11 53 Cal. 4th 622, 712 (2012) (a trial court has broad discretion to investigate and remove a juror
12 in the midst of trial where it finds that, for any reason, the juror is no longer able or qualified to
13 serve); see also People v. Williams, 16 Cal. 4th 153, 231 (1997). Both the decision to investigate
14 and the decision as to whether there was misconduct justifying discharge rest in the trial court's
15 sound discretion. People v. Bradford, 15 Cal. 4th 1229, 1348 (1997). The state supreme court
16 has observed that “[t]here is no statutory provision regarding the procedure to be followed in
17 applying [Penal Code] section 1089, but it seems clear that the taking of sworn testimony under
18 the usual rules of evidence is not necessary where the facts upon which action is taken are
19 uncontroverted. Abbott, 47 Cal. 2d at 371.
20

Here, the state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner presented no evidence,

21 other than counsel’s surmise, that any juror was sleeping. (See e.g., RT 5422); see also 28
22 U.S.C. § 2254(e)(1); James v. Borg, 24 F.3d 20, 26 (9th Cir. 2004) (“Conclusory allegations
23 which are not supported by a statement of specific facts do not warrant habeas relief.”). At most,
24 Petitioner proffered Second Counsel’s observation that “at least four or five people on the jury
25 are falling asleep, they are not grasping what we are doing.” (RT 5422.) Moreover, Second
26 Counsel’s habeas declaration that after trial, four jurors stated that “[a]fter the guilt phase, it
27 would be hard to convince any jury of insanity[,]” is not admissible evidence that any juror slept
28 during the sanity phase evidence. (See CT 1722.) Notably, neither the trial court nor the
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1 prosecutor observed or suggested any juror was sleeping during the sanity phase. See Bradford,
2 15 Cal.4 th at 1348 (defense counsel's speculation that a juror might have been sleeping was
3 insufficient to apprise the trial court that good cause might exist to discharge the juror, and
4 therefore did not obligate the court to conduct any further inquiry).
5

In any event, the presence of a sleeping juror during trial does not per se deprive a

6 defendant of the right to due process, a fair trial, or an impartial jury. See Tanner v. United
7 States, 483 U.S. 107, 126–27 (1987) (juror who falls asleep during testimony is not per se
8 incompetent); United States v. Springfield, 829 F.2d 860, 864 (9th Cir. 1987), abrogated on other
9 grounds by United States v. Benally, 843 F.3d 350, 353–54 (9th Cir. 2016), as recognized by
10 United States v. Morgenstern, 725 Fed. Appx. 546, 550 (9th Cir. 2018) (no violation of due
11 process or the right to a fair trial and impartial jury when juror napped through part of
12 testimony); see also United States v. Olano, 62 F.3d 1180, 1189 (9th Cir.1995) (“[T]he presence
13 of all awake jurors throughout an entire trial is not an absolute prerequisite to a criminal trial's
14 ability to reliably serve its function as a vehicle for determination of guilt or innocence. A single
15 juror's slumber thus is not per se plain error.”)
16

(ii)

Harmless Error

17

Even assuming a juror was sleeping during trial, and that the trial court erred in failing to

18 inquire further when counsel raised the matter, Petitioner cannot obtain habeas corpus on this
19 ground unless he demonstrates that he suffered prejudice as a result, i.e. . that the error had a
20 “substantial and injurious effect” on the verdict. Fields v. Brown, 503 F.3d 755, 781 n.19 (9th
21 Cir. 2007) (citing Brecht, 507 U.S. at 623); see also Stringer v. Harrison, 2009 WL 20951, *2
22 (9th Cir. Jan. 5, 2009) (no prejudice under Brecht arising from claim jurors were biased as a
23 result of defendant’s inappropriate eye contact with them).
24

A trial judge has wide discretion in deciding how to deal with a sleeping juror.

25 Springfield, 829 F.2d at 864 (deferring to trial court determination that portions of trial testimony
26 missed by sleeping juror were insubstantial). Where a juror has been found to be sleeping, a new
27 trial may not be required if the court determines the juror “did not miss essential portions of the
28 trial and was able fairly to consider the evidence.” United States v. Barrett, 703 F.2d 1076, 1083
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1 n.13 (9th Cir.1983) (citing United States v. Hendrix, 549 F.2d 1225, 1229 (9th Cir. 1977)).
2

In this case, the state supreme court reasonably could find the alleged trial court error not

3 to be prejudicial under Brecht. Petitioner alleges certain jurors fell asleep during the February 6,
4 1985 sanity phase testimony of Dr. Dietiker, which suggested that Petitioner’s Rorschach
5 responses demonstrated “a though disorder, fluid or psychotic thinking . . . consistent with a
6 diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia.” (Lod. Doc. 23 at 68, citing RT 5387-5423.) Petitioner
7 argues Dr. Dietiker’s testimony was a “crucial element” of the sanity phase defense. (Lod. Doc.
8 23 at 68.) However, Petitioner concedes that at least one other sanity phase expert found
9 Petitioner to be suffering from paranoid schizophrenia. (Id.) Petitioner does not suggest at any
10 level of specificity how the alleged juror inattentiveness may have affected the verdict. There is
11 no evidence suggesting the jury was unable to deliberate. Moreover, the state supreme court
12 reasonably could find Petitioner’s suggestion the jurors slept because they had prejudged the
13 case, to be no more than speculation.
14

Finally, even if the trial court erred in its application of the noted state law, federal habeas

15 relief is unavailable for merely state law error. See McGuire, 502 U.S. at 67-68; Park, 202 F.3d
16 at 1149. Federal habeas relief is not available to retry a state issue that does not rise to the level
17 of a federal constitutional violation. McGuire, 502 U.S. at 67–68. Alleged errors in the
18 application of state law are not cognizable in federal habeas corpus. Souch, 289 F.3d at 623.
19

d.

Conclusions

20

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of Claim 18 as trial court

21 error was not contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as
22 determined by the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light
23 of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
24

Claim 18 allegations of trial court error shall be denied.

25

9.

26

Petitioner alleges the trial court erred by taking evidence during the sanity phase while he

Claim 19

27 was absent from the courtroom, violating his rights under the Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth
28
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1 Amendments.18 (ECF No. 107 at 318-25.)
2

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

3

The California Supreme Court considered the Claim on direct appeal (Lod. Doc. 87

4 [Supplemental Opening Brief filed October 3, 1996] at 2-11), and denied it on the merits, stating
5 that:
6
Defendant next contends his sanity and penalty phase verdicts must be reversed
because he was absent from court during the sanity phase when the two
videotapes of defendant answering the VESI were played for the jury. He claims
his absence violated his state and federal constitutional rights to due process,
confrontation, an impartial jury, and a reliable determination of his guilt and
penalty. In addition, he contends his personal waiver of his presence was invalid
for a variety of reasons, discussed below. He also claims his absence violated
sections 977 and 1043. Finally, he argues these errors deprived the jury of
meaningful evidence that it could have considered in his favor at the penalty
phase, requiring we reverse the penalty judgment as well as the sanity judgment.
As we explain, we reject all of these claims.

7
8
9
10
11
12

a. The facts

13

Two videotapes showing defendant's responses to the VESI were played for the
jury at the sanity phase. After the first tape was played and the jury left the
courtroom for a scheduled recess, the following occurred:

14
15

“The Court: The record should note that approximately five minutes prior to the
recess just taken and during the playing of a portion of the video tape the
defendant requested that the guards accompany him out of the courtroom; the
defendant appear[ed] to become emotional[ly] disturbed or distraught in some
way [sic] and so-I understand at this time he wants to waive his appearance during
that approximate[ly] five minute time and also waive his presence for the balance
of the playing of the tape[s].

16
17
18
19

“Mrs. Huffman: That's correct, your Honor.

20

“The Court: Okay. That includes this afternoon and also tomorrow morning, if
necessary.

21

“Mrs. Huffman: Until the tapes are finished Mr. Weaver wishes to have his
presence-wants to waive his presence.

22
23

“The Court: Okay.

24
25

“Mrs. Huffman: He didn't want to lose control and he wants to apologize to the
court for that, but he can't handle it.

26

“The Court: All right. First of all, do you join in that request, Mrs. Huffman?

27

“Mrs. Huffman: Yes, I do, your Honor.

28

18

Petitioner states that he incorporates the factual basis of Claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9. (ECF No. 107 at 319.)

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2

“The Court: Mr. Weaver, I discussed this with you last week when I was starting
to view the films preliminarily, so I have explained to you your right to be present
at all phases of the case; okay?

3

“The Defendant: Yes, sir.

4

“The Court: Okay. You understand that by law or by Constitution you have the
right to be present during all proceedings in this case. Nevertheless, you may
waive that right and consent that we proceed in your absence, which is, as I
understand, what you wish to do and you wish to have us complete the showing of
these tapes without your presence, after which time you will be brought back in
and be here for the balance of the trial. [¶] Is that correct?

1

5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28

“The Defendant: Yes, your Honor. I am sorry about what happened.
“The Court: You need not apologize, and I will then take that as a waiver of your
personal presence for the balance of the time it takes us to play the tapes.
“The Defendant: Thank you.”
b. Discussion
“A defendant has the right, under the Sixth Amendment of the federal
Constitution, to be present at trial during the taking of evidence. [Citations.]
Nonetheless, ... 'as a matter of both federal and state constitutional law, ... a
capital defendant may validly waive presence at critical stages of the trial.'
[Citation.]” (People v. Jackson (1996) 13 Cal.4th 1164, 1209-1210 [56
Cal.Rptr.2d 49, 920 P.2d 1254].) Because the record demonstrates defendant
waived his constitutional right to be present, we reject his claim to the contrary
under both the state and federal Constitutions.
Defendant contends his waiver was it was neither knowingly nor intelligently
given, in that he was not advised of the importance of his personal presence
before he waived it. He argues “he was not admonished by the court or counsel as
to the significant impact his presence and demeanor would have on the jury
which was looking for signs of humanity and remorse in [defendant].” Moreover,
given his history of mental problems, defendant contends the court was obligated
to conduct “an extensive inquiry to determine whether [defendant] actually
understood the significance and consequences of his decision.”
Defendant cites no authority for his argument that we must apply a heightened
waiver standard under the circumstances, or that the trial court had a sua sponte
duty to admonish him of the importance of his decision to absent himself from the
courtroom. Defendant was represented by counsel, and he himself chose, for his
own reasons, to leave the courtroom. We find nothing improper about the
procedure used, and we conclude defendant's waiver of his state and federal
constitutional right to be present at this phase of his capital trial was both
voluntary, knowing and intelligent.
Defendant is on firmer ground in arguing his absence violated sections 977 and
1043. Section 977, subdivision (b)(1) states: “In all cases in which a felony is
charged, the accused shall be present ... during those portions of the trial when
evidence is taken before the trier of fact, and at the time of the imposition of
sentence. The accused shall be personally present at all other proceedings unless
he or she shall, with leave of court, execute in open court, a written waiver of his
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1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22

or her right to be personally present.” (Italics added.) Section 1043, subdivision
(b) states: “The absence of the defendant in a felony case after the trial has
commenced in his presence shall not prevent continuing the trial to, and
including, the return of the verdict in any of the following cases: [¶] (1) Any case
in which the defendant, after he has been warned by the judge that he will be
removed if he continues his disruptive behavior, nevertheless insists on
conducting himself in a manner so disorderly, disruptive, and disrespectful of the
court that the trial cannot be carried on with him in the courtroom. [¶] (2) Any
prosecution for an offense which is not punishable by death in which the
defendant is voluntarily absent.” (Italics added.)
We have explained that “when read together, sections 977 and 1043 permit a
capital defendant to be absent from the courtroom only on two occasions: (1)
when he has been removed by the court for disruptive behavior under section
1043, subdivision (b)(1), and (2) when he voluntarily waives his rights pursuant to
section 977, subdivision (b)(1). However, section 977, subdivision (b)(1), the
subdivision that authorizes waiver for felony defendants, expressly provides for
situations in which the defendant cannot waive his right to be present, including
during the taking of evidence before the trier of fact. Section 1043, subdivision
(b)(2), further makes clear that its broad 'voluntary' exception to the requirement
that felony defendants be present at trial does not apply to capital defendants.
Thus, the trial court, by permitting a nondisruptive capital defendant to be absent
during the taking of evidence, committed error under sections 977 and 1043.”
(People v. Jackson, supra, 13 Cal.4th at p. 1210.) “The Legislature evidently
intended that a capital defendant's right to voluntarily waive his right to be present
be severely restricted.” (Id. at p. 1211.)
The error being merely statutory, however, we will reverse the judgment only if “
'it is reasonably probable that a result more favorable to the appealing party would
have been reached in the absence of the error.' (People v. Watson[, supra] 46
Cal.2d 818, 836 ....)” (People v. Jackson, supra, 13 Cal.4th at p. 1211.) In this
case, no live witnesses testified in defendant's absence, reducing the potential
value of any assistance defendant could have given to defense counsel. Although
the jury was deprived of its ability to observe defendant's demeanor during the
playing of the videotapes, it is unclear which way this factor cuts, as defendant
apparently was afraid he would become overly emotional before the jury, harming
his case. His absence, and the concomitant inability of the jury to observe him,
may actually have helped him. In any event, such speculation does not support a
finding that it was reasonably probable defendant would have achieved a more
favorable sanity or penalty phase verdict had he been forced to appear before the
jury against his will. Any state law error was thus harmless under People v.
Watson, supra, 46 Cal.2d at page 836. The speculative nature of any possible
harm defendant suffered by his absence also precludes a finding the error affected
the penalty phase verdict in any way.

23
24 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 965-68.
25

The Claim, characterized as ineffective assistance of counsel, also was presented to the

26 California Supreme Court in Petitioner’s first state habeas petition (Lod. Doc. 7 at 285-87), and
27 summarily denied on the merits (Lod. Doc. 8).
28
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1

b.

Legal Standard

2

(i)

Trial Court Error

3

The standard for trial court error is set out in section VII, B, 1, b, (i), herein.

4

(i)

5

The Constitution guarantees a criminal defendant the right to presence at all critical

Physical Presence during Trial

6 stages of the trial. Illinois v. Allen, 397 U.S. 337, 338 (1970); see also United States v. Gagnon,
7 470 U.S. 522, 526 (1985).
8

A defendant has a right to be present “whenever his presence has a relation, reasonably

9 substantial, to the fullness of his opportunity to defend against the charge. . . . [T]he presence of
10 a defendant is a condition of due process to the extent that a fair and just hearing would be
11 thwarted by his absence, and to that extent only.” Kentucky v. Stincer, 482 U.S. 730, 745
12 (1987), (quoting Snyder v. Massachusetts, 291 U.S. 97, 105–06 (1934)), overruled in part on
13 other grounds by Malloy v. Hogan, 378 U.S. 1 (1964). But he need not be present “when
14 presence would be useless, or the benefit but a shadow.” Id. (quoting Snyder, 291 U.S. at 106–
15 07); see Rice v. Wood, 77 F.3d 1138, 1140 n.2 (listing cases finding right to presence not
16 violated).
17

c.

Analysis

18

(i)

Presence during the VESI Videotape

19

Petitioner argues his absence from court on February 13-14, 1985, when the VESI

20 videotape and related evidence was presented, violated his noted federal rights as well as state
21 law that required his presence during the taking of evidence. (ECF No. 107 at 319 citing Penal
22 Code §§ 977, 1043; ECF No. 210 at 188-93.)
23

The record reflects that during sanity phase testimony of Dr. John Wilson, the VESI

24 videotape was presented to the jury. (See e.g., ECF No. 210 at 189 citing RT 5773, 5995; see
25 also RT 5821-26.) As noted above, soon after the videotape began, Petitioner showed signs of
26 emotional distress and asked guarded to escort him from the courtroom. (RT 5822-24.) Second
27 Counsel advised the trial court that “[P]etitioner wished to waive his appearance until the playing
28 of the [VESI] tapes was concluded because Petitioner “didn’t want to lose control and wants to
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1 apologize to the court for it.” (ECF No. 107 at 320.) The trial court advised Petitioner of his
2 right to be present and took his oral waiver of that right on the record. (See ECF No. 107 at 320;
3 ECF No. 210 at 190-91 citing RT 5823-24.) Petitioner was absent from the courtroom while the
4 remainder of the videotape was played. (RT 5824-26.)
5

Petitioner suggests his emotional upset during playing of the VESI tapes was not alone a

6 basis for his removal from court, and that he did not knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily
7 waive his right to presence in the courtroom. (ECF No. 107 at 320-21; ECF No. 210 at 191-92.)
8 Petitioner argues his mental state was such that he was not competent to waive his right to be
9 present in court, especially so here as the waiver was partially retroactive. (Id.; see also Claims
10 3, 4, herein.)
11

Here, the state supreme court reasonably could find no violation of Petitioner’s federal

12 rights. Nowhere in the decisions of the Supreme Court is there a ruling that “the Fourteenth
13 Amendment assures the privilege of presence when presence would be useless, or the benefit but
14 a shadow.” Snyder, 291 U.S. at 106–107. The exclusion of a defendant from a trial proceeding
15 should be considered in light of the whole record. Id. at 115. In Faretta v. California, 422 U.S.
16 806, 819 n.15 (1975), the United States Supreme Court reaffirmed the holding of Snyder, and
17 observed that “an accused has a right to be present at all stages of the trial where his absence
18 might frustrate the fairness of the proceedings.”
19

The state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner’s presence during playing of the

20 balance of the VESI videotape would not have benefitted his defense. He, of course, participated
21 in the VESI interview and knew what the jury would see and hear. Significantly, Petitioner was
22 present in court with Counsel when the video tape was previewed outside the presence of the
23 jury. He had the opportunity to discuss the matter with Counsel and provide any desired input,
24 and waived presence during preview of the videotapes, outside the presence of the jury, upon
25 colloquy with the trial court and Counsel. (RT 5634-35.)
26

Later, when the tapes were admitted at trial, the jury was able to view Petitioner’s

27 reaction to the videotape during that portion played while he was present in the courtroom, which
28 constituted most of the first videotape. Moreover, Counsel offered the videotapes as an
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1 alternative to Petitioner’s testimony at the sanity phase, suggesting Counsel and Petitioner, as a
2 matter of trial tactics, relied upon demeaner evidence apparent in the videotapes. (RT 5638.)
3 Petitioner has not demonstrated beyond the level of speculation how his absence deprived the
4 jury of otherwise unavailable demeanor and remorse evidence benefitting the defense.
5

The Constitution is not implicated every time a defendant is excluded from a trial stage,

6 United States v. Reyes, 764 F.3d 1184, 1193 (9th Cir.2014); see also Moore v. Campbell, 344
7 F.3d 1313, 1323 (11th Cir. 2003) (“the issue of whether a defendant must be present at all times
8 in a capital trial has not yet been settled by the Supreme Court”); Allen, 397 U.S. 337, 338
9 (1970) (a criminal defendant can lose the right to presence at trial by consent or misconduct).
10

Given the foregoing, this Court previously found that the state supreme court was not

11 unreasonable in finding the waiver of presence to be knowing and voluntary. (ECF No. 209 at
12 59; see also Campbell v. Wood, 18 F.3d 662, 672 (9th Cir. 1994) (en banc) (holding “[t]here is
13 no principled basis for limiting to noncapital offenses a defendant’s ability knowingly,
14 voluntarily, and intelligently to waive the right of presence”); United States v. Mitchell, 502 F.3d
15 931, 987 (9th Cir. 2007) (same); United States v. Berger, 473 F.3d 1080, 1095 (9th Cir. 2007)
16 (defendant may waive his or her constitutional right to be present at all critical stages of the
17 proceedings “provided such waiver is voluntary, knowing, and intelligent). The Court further
18 found speculative Petitioner’s claim his denied the jury evidence of remorse. (ECF No. 209 at
19 68, 69, 71); see also Weaver, 26 Cal.4th at 968.
20

As to Petitioner’s allegation his state law rights were violated, the state supreme court

21 reasonably agreed. Penal Code section 977 in effect at the time of Petitioner’s trial provided in
22 pertinent part that:
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(b)(1) In all cases in which a felony is charged, the accused shall be present at the
arraignment, at the time of plea, during the preliminary hearing, during those
portions of the trial when evidence is taken before the trier of fact, and at the time
of the imposition of sentence. The accused shall be personally present at all other
proceedings unless he or she shall, with leave of court, execute in open court, a
written waiver of his or her right to be personally present, as provided by
paragraph (2).
(2) The accused may execute a written waiver of his or her right to be personally
present, approved by his or her counsel, and the waiver shall be filed with the
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1
2

court. However, the court may specifically direct the defendant to be personally
present at any particular proceeding or portion thereof. The waiver shall be
substantially in the following form:
“Waiver of Defendant's Personal Presence”

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“The undersigned defendant, having been advised of his or her right to be present
at all stages of the proceedings, including, but not limited to, presentation of and
arguments on questions of fact and law, and to be confronted by and crossexamine all witnesses, hereby waives the right to be present at the hearing of any
motion or other proceeding in this cause. The undersigned defendant hereby
requests the court to proceed during every absence of the defendant that the court
may permit pursuant to this waiver, and hereby agrees that his or her interest is
represented at all times by the presence of his or her attorney the same as if the
defendant were personally present in court, and further agrees that notice to his or
her attorney that his or her presence in court on a particular day at a particular
time is required is notice to the defendant of the requirement of his or her
appearance at that time and place.”
(c) The court may permit the initial court appearance and arraignment in
municipal or superior court of defendants held in any state, county, or local
facility within the county on felony or misdemeanor charges, except for those
defendants who were indicted by a grand jury, to be conducted by two-way
electronic audio video communication between the defendant and the courtroom
in lieu of the physical presence of the defendant in the courtroom. If the defendant
is represented by counsel, the attorney shall be present with the defendant at the
initial court appearance and arraignment, and may enter a plea during the
arraignment. However, if the defendant is represented by counsel at an initial
hearing in superior court in a felony case, and if the defendant does not plead
guilty or nolo contendere to any charge, the attorney shall be present with the
defendant or if the attorney is not present with the defendant, the attorney shall be
present in court during the hearing. The defendant shall have the right to make his
or her plea while physically present in the courtroom if he or she so requests. If
the defendant decides not to exercise the right to be physically present in the
courtroom, he or she shall execute a written waiver of that right. A judge may
order a defendant's personal appearance in court for the initial court appearance
and arraignment. In a misdemeanor case, a judge may, pursuant to this
subdivision, accept a plea of guilty or no contest from a defendant who is not
physically in the courtroom. In a felony case, a judge may, pursuant to this
subdivision, accept a plea of guilty or no contest from a defendant who is not
physically in the courtroom if the parties stipulate thereto.
(d) Notwithstanding subdivision (c), if the defendant is represented by counsel,
the attorney shall be present with the defendant in any county exceeding
4,000,000 persons in population.
Penal Code section 1043 in effect at the time of Petitioner’s trial provided in pertinent

25 part that:
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(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the defendant in a felony case
shall be personally present at the trial.

28

(b) The absence of the defendent 1 in a felony case after the trial has commenced
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in his presence shall not prevent continuing the trial to, and including, the return
of the verdict in any of the following cases:

2

------------FOOTNOTE------------

3

n.1

So in original.

4

--------END FOOTNOTE---------

5

(1) Any case in which the defendant, after he has been warned by the judge that
he will be removed if he continues his disruptive behavior, nevertheless insists on
conducting himself in a manner so disorderly, disruptive, and disrespectful of the
court that the trial cannot be carried on with him in the courtroom.

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(2) Any prosecution for an offense which is not punishable by death in which the
defendant is voluntarily absent.
(c) Any defendant who is absent from a trial pursuant to paragraph (1) of
subdivision (b) may reclaim his right to be present at the trial as soon as he is
willing to conduct himself consistently with the decorum and respect inherent in
the concept of courts and judicial proceedings.

12

(d) Subdivisions (a) and (b) shall not limit the right of a defendant to waive his
right to be present in accordance with Section 977.

13

[¶]

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(e) If the defendant in a misdemeanor case fails to appear in person at the time set
for trial or during the course of trial, the court shall proceed with the trial, unless
good cause for a continuance exists, if the defendant has authorized his counsel to
proceed in his absence pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 977.

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If there is no authorization pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 977 and if the
defendant fails to appear in person at the time set for trial or during the course of
trial, the court, in its discretion, may do one or more of the following, as it deems
appropriate:
(1) Continue the matter.
(2) Order bail forfeited or revoke release on the defendant's own recognizance.
(3) Issue a bench warrant.
(4) Proceed with the trial if the court finds the defendant has absented himself
voluntarily with full knowledge that the trial is to be held or is being held.
Nothing herein shall limit the right of the court to order the defendant to be
personally present at the trial for purposes of identification unless counsel
stipulate to the issue of identity.

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Upon consideration of this state law authority, the state supreme court reasonably found

27 the trial court committed statutory error. Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 965-68.
28
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(ii)

Harmless Error

2

Petitioner argues the trial court’s alleged error was more than harmless under Brecht.

3 (ECF No. 210 at 192-93 citing Bustamante v. Eyman, 456 F.2d 269, 274-75 (9th Cir. 1972) (“the
4 presence of counsel is no substitute for the presence of the defendant himself…”).) He argues
5 that he was unaware state law prohibited his being absent during the taking of evidence. (ECF
6 No. 107 at 320-21; ECF No. 210 at 191-92; see also Penal Code §§ 977, 1043.) He argues that
7 he was unaware his absence from court could deny the jury evidence helpful to his defense (id.),
8 including his demeanor and signs of his humanity, redeeming qualities, trauma, and remorse
9 (ECF No. 107 at 320-24). Especially so, he argues, given trial court’s erroneous refusal to allow
10 the jury’s consideration of the VESI tape for the truth of facts therein. (See ECF No. 107 at 324;
11 see also Claims 8, 20, 23; ECF No. 209 at 59-60.)
12

But as noted, a defendant's “absence from various court proceedings, even without

13 waiver, may be declared non-prejudicial in situations where his presence does not bear a
14 reasonably substantial relation to the fullness of his opportunity to defend against the charge.”
15 People v. Johnson, 6 Cal.4th 1, 18 (1993), abrogated on other grounds by People v. Rogers, 39
16 Cal.4th 826, 879 (2006) (citing People v. Garrison, 47 Cal.3d 746, 782 (1989)) (quoting Bloyd,
17 43 Cal.3d at 359–60)). For the reasons stated, the state supreme court could reasonably have
18 found this to be such a case. As noted by the state supreme court, Petitioner was present in court
19 for showing of half of the videotaped interview. During the time he was present, the jury was
20 presumptively aware he became “disturbed or distraught” and that was why he left the
21 courtroom. Weaver, 26 Cal.4th at 965.
22

Also, Petitioner was represented by Counsel during his absence from court. “It has long

23 and clearly been held that criminal defendants are entitled to effective assistance of counsel
24 during all critical stages of the criminal process.” Nunes, 350 F.3d at 1052. “[I]t is counsel's
25 dut[y] to consult with the defendant on important decisions and to keep the defendant informed
26 of important developments in the course of the prosecution.” Id. at 1053. For the reasons
27 stated, the state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner’s presence in the courtroom
28 during the balance of the VESI videotapes would not have benefited his defense.
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Petitioner also argues that he was denied the opportunity to “advise and consult with

1

2 counsel regarding appropriate areas to question witnesses or to point out areas that needed to be
3 clarified for the jury.” (ECF No. 107 at 324.) He observes that “[a]t least one juror, Emery
4 Hubbard, has declared that presentation of combat-related evidence would have caused him to
5 vote for life.” (ECF No. 107 at 324; see also 1SHCP Ex. 16 at 1.) However, the sanity phase
6 testimony apparently established Petitioner’s involvement in combat including during the 1969
7 Tet Offensive, as a basis for the defense expert opinion. (See e.g., RT 5778-83, 5929.)
8

Additionally, Petitioner acknowledges this Court, in its previous denial of Claim 8

9 allegations of ineffective assistance of counsel at the sanity phase, found the state supreme court
10 reasonably determined any such error was harmless under Strickland. (ECF No. 210 at 192 n.38
11 citing ECF No. 209 at 58-60.) Petitioner fares no better under the Brecht standard, for the
12 reasons stated.
13

d.

Conclusions

14

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of Claim 19 allegations of

15 trial court error was not contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal
16 law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable determination of the facts
17 in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
18

Claim 19 allegations of trial court error shall be denied.

19

10.

20

Petitioner alleges that the trial court erred during his automatic motion to modify the

Claim 23

21 verdict, violating his rights Fourth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments. 19 (ECF No. 107
22 at 358-60.)
23

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

24

The Claim was presented to the California Supreme Court on direct appeal (Lod. Doc. 1

25 at 432-41, and denied on the merits, as follow:
26
Defendant contends the trial court violated state law and the federal Constitution
by denying his automatic motion for modification of the penalty verdict pursuant

27
28

19

Petitioner states that he incorporates the factual basis of Claims 7, 8, 9, and 17. (ECF No. 107 at 358.)

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to section 190.4, subdivision (e). “In ruling on a verdict-modification application,
the trial judge is required by section 190.4(e) to 'make an independent
determination whether imposition of the death penalty upon the defendant is
proper in light of the relevant evidence and the applicable law.' [Citations.] That is
to say, [the trial judge] must determine whether the jury's decision that death is
appropriate under all the circumstances is adequately supported. [Citation.] And
[the trial judge] must make that determination independently, i.e., in accordance
with the weight he [or she] believes the evidence deserves. [Citation.]” (People v.
Marshall (1990) 50 Cal.3d 907, 942 [269 Cal.Rptr. 269, 790 P.2d 676].) “[T]he
trial judge's function is not to make an independent and de novo penalty
determination, but rather to independently reweigh the evidence of aggravating
and mitigating circumstances and then to determine whether, in the judge's
independent judgment, the weight of the evidence supports the jury verdict.
[Citations.]” (People v. Lang (1989) 49 Cal.3d 991, 1045 [264 Cal.Rptr. 386, 782
P.2d 627], italics omitted.)
Defendant first claims the trial court failed to consider the mitigating evidence of
his impaired mental condition, falling into the error of assuming that section
190.3, factor (h) (whether his mental capacity was “impaired as a result of mental
disease or defect”) required the same level of proof as a verdict of legal insanity.
(See discussion of this issue in pt. III.B.3., ante.) Not so. The trial court merely
explained that it had already taken into account under section 190.3, factor (d) the
evidence of defendant's mental problems (whether “defendant was under the
influence of extreme mental or emotional disturbance”) and had found such
mental problems mitigating. The court previously had explained that it was “clear
from all of the witnesses ... that the defendant did suffer and does suffer from a
mental disease or defect, and I do consider that to be in mitigation.”
It is true the trial court stated section 190.3, factor (h) had not been “satisfied.”
Defendant strongly argues this conclusion necessarily reveals the trial court
misunderstood the difference between the standard of proof at the sanity phase
and that for section 190.3, factor (h). We disagree. Instead, it appears the trial
court meant that it found the expert psychiatric evidence established defendant
suffered from an “extreme mental ... disturbance” (§ 190.3, factor (d)) but did not
establish that defendant's “capacity ... to appreciate the criminality of his conduct
or to conform his conduct to the requirements of law was impaired as a result of
mental disease or defect” (id., factor (h)). That was not an unreasonable
conclusion; despite the ample evidence of defendant's mental problems, he
seemed to understand that what he did to Radford and Levoy was wrong.
Defendant next claims the trial court improperly failed to consider non-statutory
mitigating evidence under section 190.3, factor (k). Regarding factor (k), the court
stated: “I don't think that there [is] any other [] [mitigating evidence] that I have
not already considered in my previous discussion.” The court later concluded:
“the Court has considered all of the evidence and has taken into account and been
guided by these factors, having heard, considered the arguments of counsel, and
independently conclude and find that the aggravating circumstances do outweigh
the mitigating circumstances, and it therefore is the Court's conclusion that the
jury's findings and verdicts are not only supported by the weight of the evidence,
but the Court in its own independent review of all the evidence finds the jury's
verdicts and findings are consistent with the law and evidence.” (Italics added.)
Defendant argues the trial court should have considered as mitigating his service
in Vietnam, for which he received several commendations and awards, the
abusive childhood he endured, his record of good behavior in prison, the fact he
cooperated with police, and the evidence he financially supported his family. He
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claims the court's failure to mention this evidence when addressing section 190.3,
factor (k) indicated the court had failed to consider the evidence.
We denied essentially the identical claim in People v. Arias, supra, 13 Cal.4th 92.
In that case, we explained the trial court, when ruling on a section 190.4,
subdivision (e) motion, “was obliged only to provide a ruling adequate ' ”to assure
thoughtful and effective appellate review.“ ' [Citation.] Thus, it was not required
to recount every detail of matters ... it already deemed mitigating. Moreover, the
court's ruling indicates its clear understanding of its duty to weigh all the
aggravating and mitigating evidence. The court carefully set forth the evidence to
which it assigned significant aggravating or mitigating weight. Under these
circumstances, the failure to mention other specific matters in mitigation implies,
not that they were overlooked or deemed legally irrelevant, but simply that the
court found them insubstantial and unpersuasive.” (People v. Arias, supra, at pp.
191-192.)
Accordingly, we find the trial court, in denying defendant's motion for
modification of penalty under section 190.4, subdivision (e), did not breach any of
his rights under the federal Constitution. We also conclude the trial court did not
violate any statutory rights defendant may have under section 190.4. Finally, in
light of these conclusions, we find defendant was not deprived of the effective
assistance of counsel by defense counsel's failure to object or otherwise call the
trial court's attention to the alleged error.

13 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 989–91.
14

b.

Legal Standard

15

(i)

Trial Court Error

16

The standard for trial court error is set out in section VII, B, 1, b, (i), herein.

17

(ii)

18

A defendant is entitled to a fair and reliable verdict based upon an individualized

Fair and Reliable Verdict

19 determination of the appropriate sentence given his record and character. Harris, 465 U.S. at 52.
20

The Eighth Amendment requires full consideration of “any aspect of the defendant’s

21 character or record and any of the circumstances of the offense that the defendant proffers as a
22 basis for a sentence less than death.” Lockett, 438 U.S. at 604; see also Eddings v. Oklahoma,
23 455 U.S. 104, 113-114 (1982) (sentencer must consider any relevant mitigating evidence).
24

c.

Analysis

25

Petitioner argues the state supreme court unreasonably denied the Claim because that

26 court and the trial court failed to identify and correctly apply the clearly established federal law,
27 as follows. (See ECF No. 210 at 214 citing Williams, 529 U.S. at 405-406; Jeffries v. Wood,
28 114 F.3d 1484, 1500-1501 (9th Cir. 1997) (en banc), overruled on other grounds by Gonzalez v.
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1 Arizona, 677 F.3d 383 (2012) (discussing AEDPA standard of review).
2

(i)

Motion to Modify the Verdict

3

Petitioner argues the trial court made numerous errors during the hearing on the motion to

4 modify the verdict. He argues the trial court impermissibly applied the sanity phase standard
5 when considering the Penal Code section 190.3(h) factor relating to whether a defendant’s
6 capacity to appreciate the criminality of his conduct or conform his conduct to the requirement of
7 the law was impaired as a result of mental disease or defect, or intoxication. He argues the trial
8 court otherwise failed to consider mitigating evidence under factors (h) and (k), thereby
9 depriving Petitioner of his right to an individualized determination of the appropriate sentence
10 based on his record and character.
11

At the time of Petitioner’s trial, state law provided that:

12
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15
16
17

In every case in which the trier of fact has returned a verdict or finding imposing
the death penalty, the defendant shall be deemed to have made an application for
modification of such verdict or finding pursuant to Subdivision 7 of Section 11. 2
In ruling on the application, the judge shall review the evidence, consider, take
into account, and be guided by the aggravating and mitigating circumstances
referred to in Section 190.3, and shall make a determination as to whether the
jury's findings and verdicts that the aggravating circumstances outweigh the
mitigating circumstances are contrary to law or the evidence presented. The judge
shall state on the record the reasons for his findings.

18
19
20
21

--------------------------FOOTNOTE-------------------n.2 Probably should read “Section 1181”.
--------------------END FOOTNOTE--------------------

22
23 Penal Code § 190.4(e ); see also People v. Lang, 49 Cal. 3d 991, 1045 (1989), abrogated on other
24 grounds by People v. Diaz, 60 Cal. 4th 1176 (2015) (in ruling on the automatic motion to modify
25 a death verdict, the trial judge's function is to independently reweigh the evidence of aggravating
26 and mitigating circumstances and then to determine whether, in the judge's independent
27 judgment, the weight of the evidence supports the jury verdict; the weighing of aggravating and
28 mitigating circumstances is the method by which the jury determines which penalty is
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1 appropriate)
2

Here, the state supreme court reasonably could reject the allegations of trial court error.

3 The trial court, in ruling on the motion, specifically found three factors in aggravation (i.e., the
4 circumstances of the crime; the presence of other violent criminal activity; and a prior
5 conviction), and one factor in mitigation (i.e., the offense was committed under circumstances
6 involving the influence of extreme mental or emotional disturbance). (See ECF No. 210 at 212
7 citing RT 7105-108.) The trial court then denied the motion for modification, concluding that
8 “the aggravating circumstances do outweigh the mitigating circumstances.” (Id., citing RT
9 7108-09; see also CT 1733-1734.)
10

Petitioner fails to identify clearly established federal law requiring the trial court exercise

11 independent review and judgment upon a motion to modify the verdict. See Webster v.
12 Chappell, No. CIV S-93-306 LKK DAD, 2014 WL 2526857 at *74 (E.D. Cal. June 4, 2014),
13 report and recommendation adopted sub nom. Webster v. Warden, San Quentin State Prison, No.
14 CIV. S-93-0306 LKK D, 2014 WL 4211115 (E.D. Cal. Aug. 26, 2014) (citing
15 Turner v. Calderon, 281 F.3d 851, 871 (2002)); Pulley, 465 U.S. at 41) (“[The] Ninth Circuit has
16 stated that “at most the [trial court's] error [in ruling on the section 190.4(e) motion] would be
17 one of state law” and thus not one cognizable as a habeas claim.”).
18

Petitioner suggests Ninth Circuit cases “implicitly recogniz[e] that an error [at a sentence

19 modification hearing] could rise to the level of a cognizable Eighth Amendment claim.” (ECF
20 No. 210 at 211 citing Allen v. Woodford, 395 F.3d 979, 1018 (9th Cir. 2005) (“Although the trial
21 court erred as a matter of state law by considering in its review of the jury's verdict presentence
22 reports that had not been considered by the jury, that error neither prejudiced Allen nor denied
23 him his Eighth Amendment or due process rights.”); Babbitt v. Calderon, 151 F.3d 1170, 1179
24 (9th Cir. 1998) (the judge's section 190.4(e) review should be guided by the aggravating and
25 mitigating circumstances in Cal. Penal Code § 190.3); Williams, 52 F.3d at 1483 (the 1977 death
26 penalty statute allows consideration of non-statutory factors).) However, Petitioner fails to
27 demonstrate these circuit cases rise to the level of clearly established federal law that trial court
28 error at a section 190.4(e) sentence modification hearing could rise to the level of a cognizable
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1 Eighth Amendment claim. Additionally, Williams was sentenced under California’s prior (1977)
2 death penalty statute.
3

Petitioner’s related argument, that “[t]he automatic modification motion procedure is

4 important to the overall proceeding, and part of the manner by which California fulfills its
5 constitutional duty to tailor and apply its death sentencing scheme in a rational manner” is
6 similarly insufficient to support the Claim. (ECF No. 210 at 212 citing Harris , 465 U.S. at 52;
7 Godfrey v. Georgia, 446 U.S. 420, 428 (1980)). The Court in Pully does not hold that a
8 challenge to the section 190.4(e) sentence modification hearing can provide a basis for federal
9 constitutional error. This Court has recognized as much, as Petitioner concedes. (See ECF No.
10 210 at 211 citing Vieira v. Chappell, No. 1:05-cv-1492 AWI, 2015 WL 641433 (E.D. Cal. Feb.
11 5, 2015) at **170-71; Webster, 2014 WL 2526857 at **73-75; cf. Ross v. Davis, 2017 WL
12 2374101 (C.D. 2017) at **45-46 (acknowledging that a state law error by the trial court in its
13 section 190.4(e) review, given the particular facts and circumstances, also may violate federal
14 rights).
15

Additionally, Petitioner does not point to facts in the record that the trial court

16 unreasonably denied Petitioner’s motion after consideration of the aggravating and mitigating
17 circumstances, or that the state supreme court was unreasonable in deferring to the trial court’s
18 independent determination that the jury's findings and verdict that the aggravating circumstances
19 outweigh the mitigating circumstances were not contrary to law or the evidence presented for the
20 reasons stated by that court. See e.g., Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 990-91. As the state supreme court
21 stated, “the failure to mention other specific matters in mitigation implies, not that they were
22 overlooked or deemed legally irrelevant, but simply that the court found them insubstantial and
23 unpersuasive.” Id. at 991 (quoting People v. Arias, 13 Cal. 4th 92, 191-92 (1996)).
24

Particularly, the state supreme court reasonably could find the trial court did not fail to

25 consider and give effect to the mitigating evidence in the record. See Eddings, 455 U.S. at 11326 14; Skipper v. South Carolina, 476 U.S. 1, 4-5 (1986); (see also ECF No. 210 at 211-12, citing
27 Lockett, 438 U.S. at 604; RT 7108; ECF No. 209 at 68-69, 71). Petitioner’s primary argument,
28 that the jury’s finding Petitioner was sane at the time of the crime caused the trial court to limit
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1 its Penal Code section 190.4(e) consideration of the mitigating effect of impaired mental capacity
2 (Penal Code § 190.3(h)) and related extenuating circumstances (Penal Code § 190.3(k)), relies on
3 inference thinly supported in the record, for the reasons stated. (See ECF No. 107 at 358-60;
4 ECF No. 210 at 212-13 citing RT 7016, 7108; Tennard v. Dretke, 542 U.S. 274, 285 (2004);
5 Eddings, 455 U.S. at 113-114; see also Claim 20, herein.)
6

Petitioner points to the trial courts summary findings under Penal Code section 190.3(h),

7 that:
8
9
10
11
12
13

The next [factor] is whether or not at the time of the offense the capacity of the
defendant to appreciate the criminality of his conduct or conform his conduct to
the requirement of the law was impaired as a result of mental disease or defect, or
the effects of intoxication. That of course was the entire substance of the insanity
phase of the trial, the second phase, and the mental defect or mental incapacity
suffered by the defendant that all of the medical experts indicated does exist, they
just disagree as to the degree and the effect on the defendant, I have taken into
consideration under the fourth consideration, that is, the defendant’s extreme
mental or emotional disturbance. I do not think that this eighth criterion has been
satisfied and I do not think it is a factor one way or another in this matter.

14
15 (ECF No. 210 at 212-13 citing RT 7108; CT 1750.) However, the state supreme court
16 reasonably observed on direct appeal that the trial court’s finding of mitigation evidence of
17 Petitioner’s extreme mental or emotional disturbance (under Penal Code § 190.3(d)) does not
18 necessarily raise an inference that the trial court unreasonably failed to consider and find
19 mitigating impaired mental capacity (under Penal Code § 190.3(h)) and related extenuating
20 circumstances (under Penal Code § 190.3(k)). Petitioner has not persuasively argued facts or
21 authority otherwise.
22

Petitioner also points to the trial court’s summary findings under Penal Code section

23 190.3(k), that:
24
25
26

The last [penalty phase factor] is whether or not there are any other extenuating
circumstances which mitigate or excuse the crime even though it did not amount
to a legal excuse, and I don’t think that there are any others that I have not already
considered in my previous discussion.

27
28 (ECF No. 210 at 213 citing RT 7108); see also Eddings, 455 U.S. at 113-114 (the sentencing
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1 authority may not refuse to consider relevant mitigating evidence in a capital sentencing
2 proceeding). But here again, the trial court need not refer to every piece of mitigating evidence
3 that it considered and found insubstantial and unpersuasive. See Weaver, 26 Cal. 4 th at 991; see
4 also Arias, 13 Cal. 4th at 191-92. The state supreme court reasonably could find the trial court’s
5 failure specifically to mention each piece of allegedly mitigating evidence not indicative of a
6 failure to consider such evidence for purposes of the motion to modify the verdict.
7

(ii)

Harmless Error

8

Petitioner argues the alleged constitutional errors were harmful and prejudicial because

9 the errors denied him a fair and reliable verdict based upon an individualized determination of
10 the appropriate sentence given his record and character. (ECF No. 107 at 360; ECF No. 210 at
11 213-14 citing Harris, 465 U.S. at 52, Lockett, 438 U.S. at 604.)
12

But “[federal] habeas petitioners are not entitled to habeas relief based on trial error

13 unless they can establish that it resulted in actual prejudice.” Ayala, 576 U.S. at 267 (quoting
14 Brecht, 507 U.S. at 637). “Under this test, relief is proper only if the federal court has grave
15 doubt about whether a trial error of federal law had substantial and injurious effect or influence
16 in determining the jury’s verdict.” Id. at 267–68 (quoting O’Neal, 513 U.S. at 436); see also
17 Beardslee, 393 F.3d at 1041–44 (applying Brecht’s harmless error test to an Eighth Amendment
18 error based on the improper consideration of invalid aggravating factors).
19

Here, for the reasons stated, the state supreme court reasonably could find no prejudice

20 under the Brecht standard because Petitioner failed to show the trial court did not consider
21 mitigating evidence in the record.
22

d.

Conclusions

23

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of the Claim was not

24 contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by
25 the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the
26 evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
27

Claim 23 shall be denied.

28
158

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1

11.

Claim 24

2

Petitioner alleges that the trial court erred by denying his motions for a separate sanity

3 phase jury and a new sanity phase trial, violating his rights under the Fourth, Sixth, Eighth, and
4 Fourteenth Amendments.20 (ECF No. 107 at 360-63.)
5

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

6

The California Supreme Court considered the Claim on direct appeal (Lod. Doc. 1 at 203-

7 06, 311-15), and denied it on the merits, stating that:
8

Following completion of the guilt phase, defendant renewed his claim for a
separate jury to decide his claim of insanity. Counsel argued that the defense
argument at the sanity phase would be that defendant, due to mental impairments,
was unable to conform his conduct to the law, a defense at odds with their guilt
phase argument that defendant made a conscious decision to knock out Radford
but not to kill him, and that he killed Levoy when he fell into a blind rage when
she bit his thumb. The trial court denied the motion for a separate jury, noting that
mental health experts testifying at the sanity phase would be subject to crossexamination based on defendant's testimony at the earlier guilt phase, and the
jury's knowledge of that prior testimony would be important.

9
10
11
12
13

Defendant now claims the trial court abused its discretion when it denied his
motion for a separate sanity phase jury. He argues that because the guilt phase
jury had just found him guilty, use of that same jury at the sanity phase forced
him to be tried by a jury predisposed to find him sane. As evidence of that claim,
he points to the fact the jury deliberated just 42 minutes before finding him sane,
and that three jurors were laughing and talking during the reading of the sanity
phase jury instructions.

14
15
16
17

Section 190.4, subdivision (c), added to the Penal Code by initiative in 1978 and
unchanged since that time, provides the applicable law. It states in pertinent part:
“If the trier of fact which convicted the defendant of a crime for which he may be
subject to the death penalty was a jury, the same jury shall consider any plea of
not guilty by reason of insanity pursuant to Section 1026, ... unless for good cause
shown the court discharges that jury in which case a new jury shall be drawn.”
(Ibid., italics added.) The appropriate standard of review when considering a trial
court's denial of a separate jury under section 190.4 is the abuse of discretion
standard. (People v. Rowland (1992) 4 Cal.4th 238, 268 [14 Cal.Rptr.2d 377, 841
P.2d 897].)

18
19
20
21
22
23

In this case, the trial court concluded the anticipated testimony from mental health
experts would be difficult to understand unless the jury was aware of defendant's
previous testimony at the guilt phase. That decision was well within the court's
discretion and consistent with the Legislature's expressed preference for a single
jury in capital cases. To sustain his claim that the trial court abused its discretion,
defendant must at the very least show good cause existed for a separate sanity
phase jury. He fails to do so. Although he argues his defenses at the guilt and
sanity phases were conflicting, “more than speculation or the desire of counsel is
necessary [to demonstrate good cause]. [Citations.] A new jury is not required, for

24
25
26
27
28

20

Petitioner states that he incorporates that factual basis of Claims 6, 7, 8, 9 , and 16.

159

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1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

example, simply because there is a deviation between defense strategy at the guilt
trial and at the penalty trial.” (People v. Lucas, supra, 12 Cal.4th at p. 483
[defendant sought separate penalty phase jury].)
Contrary to defendant's claim, the speed with which the jury reached a sanity
phase verdict does not necessarily show the jury was biased. (See also the
discussion in pt. II.B.13., post.) It is sheer speculation whether the rapidity of the
jury's decision was the result of bias, inattention, weakness of defendant's case or
strength of the state's case. We also find the alleged laughter and inattention of
some jurors an insufficient basis on which to conclude the trial court abused its
discretion in denying a separate sanity jury. Evidently, no contemporaneous
objection was made to the behavior (defense counsel brought it up later in a
motion for new trial), and we assume the trial court was aware of what happened
in open court and would have admonished the jury if some jurors' actions were
inappropriate.
We conclude the trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying the motion for
a separate jury, there was no constitutional error, and the sanity and penalty phase
verdicts need not be reversed due to the use of the same jury throughout the trial.
[…]

12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28

Defendant contends he was denied his right to due process, a fair trial, and to be
free of cruel and unusual punishment under the state and federal Constitutions by
the short duration of the jury's deliberations following the sanity phase of the trial.
After presentation of numerous witnesses, expert and lay, over six weeks, raising
issues of insanity, mental illness, irresistible impulse, amphetamine abuse, PTSD
and child abuse, the jury returned a verdict finding defendant sane after only 42
minutes. Because the jury deliberated for so short a time, defendant claims, we
can and should infer the jury failed to fairly and seriously consider the evidence
before reaching a verdict, requiring we reverse both the sanity and penalty phase
judgments.
The trial court addressed this issue in denying the motion for a new trial. 25 The
court opined: “First of all, it has been contended that the trial took six weeks.
Well, in fact it did, spread out over about six weeks, but in my reviewing my trial
notes, there were 16 days of testimony, and some of those were partial days
because of the unavailability of witnesses at various times. Much of the testimony
that was given by some of the witnesses was, shall we say, foundational or
background material, really did not ... bear directly on the specific issue to be
decided by the jury, that is, whether or not the defendant was insane when he
committed the three offenses for which he was found guilty. And as pointed out
by both counsel, it is abundantly clear by the evidence, and indeed admitted by
both sides, that the defendant did in fact know right from wrong, or, that is,
appreciate the criminality of his conduct at the time it was committed, the first
prong of the test to be applied, the second prong being whether or not he could
conform his conduct to the law. It seems to me that first of all in 43 minutes the
jury did have time to discuss certain matters, 42 minutes, whatever it was.
Granted, that is not the most lengthy period of deliberation that the Court has
observed, but in light of the fact that all of the witnesses were testifying on
basically the same issue, and if the jury went into the jury room, and after
discussing what the issues were, determined there really was nothing further to
discuss because they were all in agreement, it seems to me that the verdict
reached in that length of time is a proper verdict [and it] must be sustained.”
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1

--------------------FOOTNOTE--------------------

2

6

n.25 Following this verdict, defendant moved for a new trial pursuant to Penal
Code section 1181, claiming the sanity verdict had been “decided by lot, or by
means other than a fair expression of opinion on the part of all the jurors.” The
motion was denied without prejudice and then later denied when counsel renewed
it. To the extent defendant contends there was evidence some of the jurors did not
take the sanity phase seriously after considering the guilt phase evidence, or
applied an incorrect standard of proof at the sanity phase, that evidence was not
properly placed before the trial court and was inadmissible in any event (Evid.
Code, § 1150), as even defendant seems to admit.

7

--------------------END FOOTNOTE--------------------

8

We agree. As we explained in response to a similar claim that a jury arrived too
quickly at a guilty verdict, which the defendant contended indicated the jury
improperly considered the possibility of the death penalty at the guilt phase, “[i]t
appears much more likely ... the relatively short duration of the jury's
deliberations simply reflected the strength of the prosecution's case.” (People v.
Robertson (1982) 33 Cal.3d 21, 36 [188 Cal.Rptr. 77, 655 P.2d 279]; cf. People v.
Williams, supra, 16 Cal.4th at p. 229 [“Defendant's mere speculation that his jury
cut short its [guilt] deliberations out of prejudice [based solely on the fact that
they deliberated for less than two hours] does not establish 'good cause' ” to
reopen voir dire prior to the penalty phase].) We find defendant was not denied
any state or federal constitutional rights by the jury's short sanity phase
deliberations.

3
4
5

9
10
11
12
13
14

15 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 946-48, 973–74.
16

b.

Legal Standard

17

(i)

Trial Court Error

18

The standard for trial court error is set out in section VII, B, 1, b, (i), herein.

19

(ii)

20

The standard for trial by a fair and impartial jury is set out in section VII, B, 2, b, (ii),

Fair and Impartial Jury

21 herein.
22

c.

Analysis

23

Petitioner argues the trial court erred when it denied his Penal Code section 190.4(c)

24 motion for a different sanity phase jury (ECF No. 107 at 360; ECF No. 210 at 215; RT 4502-07;
25 CT 1159-61, 1358), and his Penal Code section 1181 motion for a new sanity trial based in part
26 on the denial of a separate sanity phase jury (ECF No. 107 at 361; ECF No. 210 at 215; RT
27 6800-01, 7070-92; CT 1711-1722).
28

(i)

Separate Sanity Phase Jury
161

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1

Petitioner argues the trial court was presented with good cause for a new sanity phase

2 jury because “this jury has been predisposed after hearing the first phase of this case not to listen
3 to anything in the second phase.” (ECF No. 107 at 362 citing RT 6801; CT 1722.) He argues
4 the jury, having rejected his guilt phase defense that he did not intend to kill Radford and Levoy,
5 would not be susceptible to an inconsistent defense that he was insane at the time of the crimes.
6 He points to habeas proffered post-trial interviews with four jurors that suggested it was hard to
7 convince them of insanity after the guilt phase. (ECF No 107 at 363; CT 1722.) He points to
8 habeas proffered evidence that “two jurors later stated their belief that Petitioner’s counsel
9 disingenuously tried to manipulate them.” (ECF No. 107 at 363; see also 1SHCP Ex.’s 17, 18
10

At the time of Petitioner’s trial, state law provided that:

11
12
13
14
15

If the trier of fact which convicted the defendant of a crime for which he may be
subject to the death penalty was a jury, the same jury shall consider any plea of
not guilty by reason of insanity pursuant to Section 1026, the truth of any special
circumstances which may be alleged, and the penalty to be applied, unless for
good cause shown the court discharges that jury in which case a new jury shall be
drawn. The court shall state facts in support of the finding of good cause upon the
record and cause them to be entered into the minutes.

16 Penal Code § 190.4(c).
17

Here, the state supreme court reasonably could find the trial court’s denial of Petitioner’s

18 request for a separate sanity phase jury was not constitutional error. Petitioner has not pointed to
19 clearly established federal law that, on the facts and circumstances of this case, his disparate guilt
20 and sanity phase defenses (see e.g., RT 4371-76, 4381-85, 4388, 4392, 4397, 4499-4507),
21 required separate juries. See Spencer v. Texas, 385 U.S. 554, 656 (1967) (“Two-part jury trials
22 are rare in our jurisprudence; they have never been compelled by this Court as a matter of
23 constitutional law, or even as a matter of federal procedure.”); see also People v. Bennett, 45 Cal.
24 4th 577, 600 (2011) (capital defense counsel's tactical decision to present inconsistent defenses
25 does not, without more, constitute good cause to empanel a separate penalty phase jury).
26

Furthermore, Counsel’s strategically reasonable presentation of alternative or even

27 inconsistent defenses is not alone violative of Petitioner’s federal rights. (See Claims 7, 8,
28 herein.)

Particularly so, to the extent the sanity phase expert testimony considered Petitioner’s
162

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1 testimony and certain evidence during the guilt phase. See Weaver, 26 Cal. 4 th at 947; see also
2 ECF No. 209 at 36.)
3

Significantly, the empaneled jurors attested during voir dire that they could fairly

4 consider the insanity defense notwithstanding conviction at the guilt phase. (See RT 474; 5935 94; 626; 781-82; 973-74; 992; 1021; 1117-18, 1130-39; 1279; 1406-07; 1744; 1889-90; 2132;
6 2471-72; 2490, 2501); see also People v. Grimes, 1 Cal. 5th 698, 733 (2016) (2016) (trial court
7 acted within its discretion in using the same jury to decide guilt and penalty in a capital
8 prosecution, where the trial court conducted individual sequestered voir dire, absent evidence of
9 any particular circumstances of the defendant's case establishing good cause for a separate
10 penalty jury); see also People v. Superior Court (Brim), 193 Cal. App. 4th 989, 992 (App. Ct.
11 2011) (good cause under section 190.4(c) has been construed to require facts in the record
12 showing that the jury is unable to perform its function).
13

Furthermore, any state court error in the application of Penal Code section 190.4(c) is not

14 alone a basis for federal habeas relief. See McGuire, 502 U.S. at 68.
15

(ii)

New Sanity Phase Trial

16

Petitioner argues the trial court should have granted his motion for a new sanity trial

17 because through juror misconduct, “the sanity verdict had been decided by lot or by means other
18 than a fair expression of opinion on the part of all the jurors.” (ECF No. 107 at 361; see also
19 Claims 17, 18.)
20

At the time of Petitioner’s trial, state law provided that:

21
22

When a verdict has been rendered or a finding made against the defendant, the
court may, upon his application, grant a new trial, in the following cases only:

23

[…]

24

4. When the verdict has been decided by lot, or by any means other than a fair
expression of opinion on the part of all the jurors[.]

25

26 Penal Code § 1181.
27

Petitioner argues that some jurors were inattentive and slept during the sanity phase, and

28 improperly considered guilt phase evidence, such that insufficient evidence supported the sanity
163

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1 verdict. (ECF No. 107 at 361-62; see also Claims 17 & 18; RT 5422, 6801-02; 7 CT 1722.) He
2 argues the trial court’s errors “resulted in a sentence that was arbitrary, capricious, and
3 unreliable.” (ECF No. 107 at 360.)
4

Petitioner points to the alleged: frivolous attitude of Jurors Nine, Ten, and Eleven who

5 laughed and talked during the reading of the sanity phase instructions, the sleeping of four or five
6 jurors during presentation of sanity phase expert opinion, and the swift sanity phase verdict
7 allegedly rendered without constitutionally adequate deliberation. (ECF No 107 at 362-63; see
8 also Claims 17 & 18; RT 5422, 6788, 6792; CT 1576-78.)
9

However, the state supreme court reasonably could reject these allegations, for the

10 reasons stated by that court, and those discussed in Claims 17 and 18 herein, summarized here.
11

Petitioner fails to show on the evidentiary record that at the sanity phase, the jury was not

12 properly instructed through inattentiveness or otherwise. Notably, a copy of the jury instructions
13 was available in the jury room. (See CT 1615.)
14

Petitioner fails to show on the evidentiary record that at the sanity phase, one or more

15 jurors slept through or otherwise missed essential portions of the trial and thereby could not
16 fairly consider the evidence and deliberate upon it.
17

Petitioner fails to show on the evidentiary record that sanity phase deliberations, based

18 upon duration or otherwise, were constitutionally inadequate. Notably, of the sixteen defense
19 experts testifying at the sanity phase, only three actually opined on sanity. (See Claim 8, herein.)
20 Two of the defense experts, Drs. Donaldson and Chappell, who examined Petitioner three
21 months after the capital crimes, found him sane at that time. (See RT 4925, 4894, respectively.)
22

(iii)

Harmless Error

23

Petitioner argues alleged errors were harmful and prejudicial, denying him a fair and

24 reliable verdict based upon an individualized determination of the appropriate sentence given his
25 record and character. (ECF No. 107 at 360.)
26

Particularly, Petitioner argues the trial court failed to consider the relevant and material

27 facts showing prejudice, including “the frivolous attitude of Jurors Nine, Ten, and Eleven who
28 laughed and talked during the reading of the sanity phase instructions; the sleeping of four or five
164

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1 jurors during presentation of the evidence; the swift sanity phase verdict rendered without
2 constitutionally adequate deliberation; … the post-trial interviews with [certain jurors] … that it
3 was hard to convince anyone of insanity after the guilt phase[;] [and that] … counsel
4 disingenuously tried to manipulate them.” (ECF No. 107 at 363.)
5

“[Federal] habeas petitioners are not entitled to habeas relief based on trial error unless

6 they can establish that it resulted in actual prejudice.” Ayala, 576 U.S. at 267 (quoting Brecht,
7 507 U.S. at 637). “Under this test, relief is proper only if the federal court has grave doubt about
8 whether a trial error of federal law had substantial and injurious effect or influence in
9 determining the jury’s verdict.” Id. at 267–68 (quoting O’Neal, 513 U.S. at 436); see also
10 Beardslee, 393 F.3d at 1041–44 (applying Brecht’s harmless error test to an Eighth Amendment
11 error based on the improper consideration of invalid aggravating factors).
12

Here, the state supreme court reasonably could find no more than harmless error under

13 the Brecht standard. The jury was properly instructed on Petitioner’s burden at the sanity phase
14 and presumably applied those instructions to evidence in the sanity phase record. Weeks, 528
15 U.S. at 234. As noted by the state supreme court, the sanity phase expert testimony considered
16 Petitioner’s guilt phase testimony. See Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 947. To the extent Petitioner
17 relies upon inference otherwise, arising from the noted juror habeas declarations, such evidence,
18 even if admissible, does not include facts that the defense presented at the guilt phase left the
19 jury actually partial toward finding him sane. The state supreme court reasonably could find
20 Counsel to proffer no more that surmise unsupported by the evidentiary record. See Murphy,
21 421 U.S. at 799-803. As noted, the state supreme court reasonably could find the individual jury
22 voir dire not to compel an inference the jurors were partial.
23

Furthermore, the state supreme court reasonably found the brief duration of deliberations

24 not a basis to find more than harmless error, but rather mere speculation. Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at
25 973-74; see also Claims 17, 18, herein.) That court reasonably could find Petitioner’s argument
26 otherwise either unsupported in the evidentiary record, or inadmissible, as stated.
27

d.

Conclusions

28

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of the Claim was not
165

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1 contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by
2 the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the
3 evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
4

Claim 24 shall be denied.

5

C.

Claims Alleging Prosecutorial Misconduct

6

1.

Claim 11

7

Petitioner alleges the prosecutor withheld material evidence impeaching prosecution

8 witnesses, presented false testimony, and failed to honor a plea agreement, violating his rights
9 under the Fifth, Sixth, Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments. 21 (ECF No. 107 at 238-64.)
10

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

11

Claim 11 allegations that the prosecution withheld material exculpatory information

12 relevant to impeachment of prosecution witnesses Gibson and Galbraith, and failed to honor a
13 plea agreement with him at trial, were raised in the first state habeas petition (Lod. Doc. 7 at 44614 55), and summarily denied on the merits (Lod. Doc. 8).
15

Claim 11 allegations that the prosecution withheld material exculpatory information

16 relevant to impeachment of prosecution witnesses Gibson, Sneed, and Galbraith, and
17 manufactured false testimony, were raised in the second state habeas petition (Lod. Doc. 23 at
18 22-37), and summarily denied on the merits (Lod. Doc. 24), and on procedural grounds (id.).
19

b.

Legal Standard

20

(i)

Prosecutorial Misconduct Generally

21

A petitioner is entitled to habeas corpus relief if the prosecutor’s misconduct “so infected

22 the trial with unfairness as to make the resulting conviction a denial of due process.” Darden v.
23 Wainwright, 477 U.S. 168, 181 (1986); see also Tan, 413 F.3d at 1112; Floyd v. Filson, 949 F.3d
24 1128, 1150 (9th Cir. 2020) (in making that determination, courts look to various Darden factors,
25 i.e., the weight of the evidence, the prominence of the comment in the context of the entire trial,
26 whether the prosecution misstated the evidence, whether the judge instructed the jury to
27
21

Petitione states that he incorporates factual allegations of Claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12. (ECF No. 107 at

28 238.)

166

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1 disregard the comment, whether the comment was invited by defense counsel in its summation
2 and whether defense counsel had an adequate opportunity to rebut the comment).
3

To constitute a due process violation, the prosecutorial misconduct must be “of sufficient

4 significance to result in the denial of the defendant’s right to a fair trial.” Greer v. Miller, 483
5 U.S. 756, 765 (1987) (quoting United States v. Bagley, 473 U.S. 667, 682 (1985)); see also
6 United States v. Agurs, 427 U.S. 97, 98 (1976); Smith v. Phillips, 455 U.S. 209, 221 (ordinary
7 trial errors by a prosecutor do not suffice; the misconduct must be egregious enough to deny the
8 defendant a fair trial).
9

“Before a federal court may overturn a conviction resulting from a state trial . . . it must

10 be established not merely that the [State’s action] is undesirable, erroneous, or even universally
11 condemned, but that it violated some right which was guaranteed to the defendant by the
12 Fourteenth Amendment.” Phillips, 455 U.S. at 221 (quoting Cupp, 414 U.S. at 146).
13

If prosecutorial misconduct is established, and it was constitutional error, the error must

14 be evaluated pursuant to the harmless error test set forth in Brecht. See Thompson v. Borg, 74
15 F.3d 1571, 1577 (9th Cir. 1996”) (quoting Jeffries v. Blodgett, 5 F.3d 1180, 1191 (1993)) (“Only
16 if the argument were constitutional error would we have to decide whether the constitutional
17 error was harmless. A petitioner is entitled to relief in this context only where the constitutional
18 violations exerted a “substantial and injurious” effect on the judgment. Brecht, 507 U.S. at 620;
19 Fields v. Woodford, 309 F.3d 1095, 1109 (9th Cir. 2002) (stating the Ninth Circuit applies
20 Brecht if misconduct of constitutional dimension is established) (amended 315 F.3d 1062 (9th
21 Cir. 2002)).
22

Any claim of prosecutorial misconduct must be reviewed within the context of the entire

23 trial. Greer, 483 U.S. at 765-66; United States v. Weitzenhoff, 35 F.3d 1275, 1291 (9th Cir.
24 1994). The court must keep in mind that “[t]he touchstone of due process analysis in cases of
25 alleged prosecutorial misconduct is the fairness of the trial, not the culpability of the prosecutor”
26 and “the aim of due process is not punishment of society for the misdeeds of the prosecutor but
27 avoidance of an unfair trial to the accused.” Phillips, 455 U.S. at 219. “Improper argument does
28 not, per se, violate a defendant’s constitutional rights.” Thompson, 74 F.3d at 1576.
167

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1

(ii)

Brady Error

2

In Brady v. Maryland, the Supreme Court held that the suppression by the prosecution of

3 evidence favorable to an accused violates due process where the evidence is material either to
4 guilt or to punishment, irrespective of the good faith or bad faith of the prosecution. 373 U.S.
5 83, 87 (1963).
6

Under Brady, there are three elements of a due process violation based on the suppression

7 of evidence: (1) the evidence at issue must be favorable to the accused either because it is
8 exculpatory or because it is impeaching; (2) the evidence must have been suppressed by the State
9 either willfully or inadvertently; and (3) the evidence is material, i.e., if there is a reasonable
10 probability that the evidence, considered cumulatively, would have produced a different result at
11 trial. 373 U.S. at 87; Kyles v. Whitley, 514 U.S. 419, 434 (1995) (same). If a habeas petitioner
12 establishes the “reasonable probability” of a different result, the error cannot subsequently be
13 found harmless. Id. at 436; see also Silva v. Brown, 416 F.3d 980, 986 (2005).
14

A ‘reasonable probability’ is a probability sufficient to undermine confidence in the

15 outcome.” Bagley, 473 U.S. at 682; see also Turner v. United States, 137 S. Ct. 1885, 1893
16 (2017) (We “must examine the trial record, evaluate the withheld evidence in the context of the
17 entire record, and determine in light of that examination whether there is a reasonable probability
18 that, had the evidence been disclosed, the result of the proceeding would have been different.”);
19 Kyles, 514 U.S. at 435 (a Brady violation occurs when the undisclosed favorable evidence
20 “could reasonably be taken to put the whole case in such a different light as to undermine
21 confidence in the verdict.”).
22

Once the materiality of the suppressed evidence is established, no further harmless error

23 analysis is required. Kyles, 514 U.S. at 435-36; see also Silva, 416 F.3d at 986 (“When the
24 government has suppressed material evidence favorable to the defendant, the conviction must be
25 set aside.”).
26

A Brady violation may also occur when the government fails to turn over evidence that is

27 “known only to police investigators and not to the prosecutor.” Youngblood v. West Virginia,
28 547 U.S. 867, 870 (2006) (quoting Kyles, 514 U.S. at 437, 438) (“The individual prosecutor has
168

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1 a duty to learn of any favorable evidence known to the others acting on the government's behalf
2 in the case, including the police.”).
3

The duty to disclose such evidence is applicable even though there has been no request

4 by the accused. Agurs, 427 U.S. at 107; see also Amado v. Gonzalez, 758 F.3d 1119, 1134 (9th
5 Cir. 2014) (quoting Bagley, 473 U.S. at 675) (“The prosecutor, although ‘not required to deliver
6 his entire file to defense counsel,’ is required to turn over evidence that is both favorable to the
7 defendant and material to the case.”).
8

(iii)

Napue Error

9

In Napue v. People of the State of Illinois, the Supreme Court held that the knowing use

10 of false or perjured testimony to obtain a conviction violates due process regardless of whether
11 the prosecutor solicited the false testimony or merely allowed it to go uncorrected when it
12 appeared. 360 U.S. 264, 269 (1959). The Court explained that the principle that a state may not
13 knowingly use false testimony to obtain a conviction - even false testimony that goes only to the
14 credibility of the witness - is “implicit in any concept of ordered liberty.” Id.
15

While the Supreme Court has clearly established that the prosecution’s Brady duty

16 encompasses evidence “known only to police investigators and not to the prosecutor,” Kyles,
17 514 U.S. at 437–38, it is not clearly established that a police officer’s knowledge of false
18 testimony may be attributed to the prosecution under Napue. Briscoe v. LaHue, 460 U.S. 325,
19 326 n.1 (1983) (noting that while the Supreme Court had “held that the prosecutor’s knowing use
20 of perjured testimony violates due process,” the Court had “not held that the false testimony of a
21 police officer in itself violates constitutional rights”); accord Reis-Campos v. Biter, 832 F.3d
22 968, 977 (9th Cir. 2016), and Browning v. Baker, 875 F.3d 444, 459–60 (9th Cir. 2017).
23

A conviction obtained by the knowing use of perjured testimony “must be set aside if

24 there is any reasonable likelihood that the false testimony could have affected the judgment of
25 the jury.” Bagley, 473 U.S. at 678.] Once a petitioner establishes this reasonable likelihood, no
26 further harmless error analysis is required. Id. at 478-79.
27

c.

Analysis

28

Petitioner argues that the prosecution: (i) withheld from trial counsel a wide range of
169

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1 exculpatory evidence which was material to both the jury’s guilt-innocence, sanity, and penalty
2 phase determinations, (ii) presented and failed to correct false testimony, and (iii)
3 unconstitutionally failed to honor a plea agreement that would have spared Petitioner from a
4 death sentence. He argues that absent this alleged misconduct, the jury would have acquitted
5 him of first-degree murder, found the special circumstances untrue, or sentenced him only to life
6 without parole.
7

However, the state supreme court reasonably rejected these allegations, for the reasons

8 discussed below.
9
10

(i)

Jailhouse Informant Rickey Gibson

Petitioner argues the prosecution withheld impeaching information that it obtained

11 statements from its guilt phase jailhouse informant witness Gibson by promising benefits such as
12 monetary payments or freedom from prosecution.

(ECF No. 107 at 239.) He argues the

13 prosecution withheld impeaching criminal history information. (ECF No. 107 at 240-41.) He
14 argues the prosecution enabled Petitioner’s related false testimony in these regards. He argues
15 the prosecution’s misconduct denied him a fair trial and raised a reasonable probability the
16 judgment was affected and might have been different absent the misconduct. (See ECF No. 107
17 at 251; see also Claim 7.) Particularly, he argues this information would have undermined
18 Gibson’s credibility and placed into question his statements that: (i) he was motivated to testify
19 as a “good samaritan” (RT 3745, 4349-50); see also CT 188, 191), (ii) he faced danger on
20 account of his testifying against Petitioner (RT 3764-69, 4339-50), and (iii) he did not receive
21 anything in exchange for his testimony (RT 4349-50).
22

The record reflects that in 1982, Gibson informed Kern County authorities that, when he

23 and Petitioner were inmates at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville, California, Petitioner
24 confessed to him that he had committed the instant capital crimes. (ECF No. 107 at 240; see
25 also ECF No. 210 at 151 citing RT 3726-70.) Gibson’s testimony included Petitioner’s alleged
26 inflammatory statement to him that while strangling Levoy, “[Petitioner] turned her around to
27 watch her turn blue and die and he said that excites him to a point where he actually got off [i.e.,
28 experienced sexual pleasure] watching her die.” (RT 3731-32.)
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1

Particularly, Petitioner argues the prosecution withheld impeaching evidence, directly

2 and through false testimony, that:
3
4

•

Gibson had a history of mental disturbance and related treatment beginning in
adolescence (ECF No. 107 at 241-42; ECF No. 210 at 151-52; see also 2SHCP,
Ex. 2 at 2-4 [Bates], Ex. 3 at 5-7 [Bates], Ex. 4 at 8-10 [Bates]). Ex. 6 at 35-36
[Bates] & Ex. 7 at 38-40 [Bates]; and at the time of Petitioner’s alleged
confession to him, was experiencing severe psychiatric symptoms that would
have seriously impaired his ability to fully and accurately remember the
conversations (ECF No. 107 at 248), including that he was “hearing voices,” was
depressed, [and] phobic[.]” (ECF No. 107 at 248-49, citing RT 3758), had tried
to kill himself (ECF No. 107 at 249) and was diagnosed with a “schizotypal
personality” and “antisocial personality disorder” and displayed “ingratiating and
seemingly manipulative” behavior. (ECF No. 107 at 249-50).

•

Gibson was a life-long substance abuser, including marijuana, methamphetamine,
and alcohol (see e.g., 2SHCP Ex. 8 at 44), and may have been medicated with the
antipsychotic Mellaril at the time he interacted with Petitioner (id.).

•

Gibson falsely testified about his motivation and prosecution provided incentives,
that he informed on Petitioner, as a good samaritan (RT 3745); that he had not
informed on other inmates when in fact he had done just that at Lerdo in a
separate matter (ECF No. 107 at 243 citing RT 3737-38); that he did not expect
anything in return for his testimony, (RT 3743-45) and was not on parole (ECF
No. 107 at 244 citing RT 3762), when in fact his request for money in exchange
for testimony was denied by the prosecution (see ECF No. 107 at 244-45 citing
RT 3745, 3770), the prosecution was involved in placing him in a witness
protection program that paid living expenses, and repeatedly interceded on his
behalf, “helping him avoid criminal charges for violating his parole in California
and preventing his extradition to Utah for criminal charges” (ECF No. 107 at 24547), and he was discharged from parole 2 weeks after Petitioner’s death verdict
and 1 year earlier than his official discharge date.

•

Gibson falsely testified about his criminal history, that he had only felony
convictions for “accessory to a robbery,” and making a “false report” in
Massachusetts. (ECF No. 107 at 241, citing RT 3727, 3733-34; CT 187-88),when
in fact he was convicted of the more serious crimes of robbery with
enhancements (ECF No. 107 at 242-43; see also ECF No. 210 at 151-52 citing
2SHCP Ex. 7), and “making a knowing false report of a bomb (ECF No. 107 at
241; see also 2SHCP Ex. Exhibit 5 at 19), and did not disclose other criminal and
institutional history relevant to truth and veracity, including: (i) a 1977 false bomb
threat for which he spent 60 days in jail in Santa Barbara, (ii) a 1979 arrest for
forgery for which he was sentenced to 9 months in the county jail, (iii) a 1980
guilty plea to receiving stolen property for which he was sentenced to 2 years’
probation which he violated 6 months later, and (iv) a non-violent juvenile record.

5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26

However, the state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner offered only his

27 surmise that the prosecution was chargeable with and withheld material evidence and knowingly
28 presented materially false testimony. (See generally discussion of Claims 6, 7, and 11, herein;
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1 see also Barker v. Fleming, 423 F.3d 1085, 1099 (2005) (we first examine the “force and nature
2 of the withheld evidence item by item,” and then “we consider the cumulative effect of the
3 suppressed evidence . . . [g]auging the collective impact of the withheld evidence requires us to
4 step back and consider the strength of the prosecution’s case . . . .”); Blumberg v. Garcia, 687 F.
5 Supp. 2d 1074, 1115 (C.D. Cal. 2010) (“As Napue and its progeny make clear, whether the
6 materiality standard is met depends on the intended and actual use of the false evidence, and
7 whether that evidence was otherwise corroborated, or effectively impeached, by non-tainted
8 evidence such that it is not reasonably likely that the false evidence could have affected the jury's
9 judgment.”).
10

Petitioner provides only scant support in the state record of material undisclosed

11 evidence. The record reflects Counsel’s multiple motions for pretrial discovery and disclosure
12 by the prosecution and its agents, including law enforcement, seeking: (i) felony convictions of
13 any trial witnesses (CT 258-267), and (ii) disclosure of facts, things, and information in the
14 possession, control, or knowledge of the prosecution and law enforcement relating to exoneration
15 and impeachment, including as to prosecution witnesses any felony criminal histories and
16 background information, leniency grants, deals and inducements to testify, and probation status
17 and records. (See CT 437-448.) The record reflects the trial court granted the requested
18 disclosure.

(See CT 471, 507-516.)

Petitioner does not identify in the state record the

19 undiscovered material facts of impeachment. His reliance upon the noted exhibits to the second
20 state habeas petition is misplaced.

Those exhibits do not specifically support the noted

21 allegations of psychosocial impeachment.
22

The state supreme court reasonably could reject Petitioner’s allegation the prosecution

23 withheld evidence that materially would have impeached Gibson based upon: his criminal
24 history (ECF No. 107 at 240-41), and that as a result Gibson testified falsely by understating the
25 nature and extent of his prior felony convictions (see ECF No. 107 at 241-43, citing RT 3727,
26 3733; CT 187-88; ECF No. 210 at 151-52 citing 2SHCP Ex. 5 at 19, Ex. 6 at 35-36, Ex. 7 at 3827 40); and his statement that he was then out of prison and not on parole (see RT 3762; ECF No.
28 107 at 244). That court reasonably could find impeaching criminal history information allegedly
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1 withheld by the prosecution, considered cumulatively and in the context of the entire record, did
2 not raise a reasonable probability of a different outcome by placing the case in a different light,
3 undermining confidence in the verdict. Notably, Gibson testified that he had been convicted of
4 multiple felonies (RT 3733-34), and that he elicited Petitioner’s confession while both were
5 incarcerated in a correctional mental hospital. (RT 3727, 3738, 3743-50.)
6

The state supreme court reasonably could reject Petitioner’s allegations the prosecution

7 withheld impeaching evidence that Gibson had a history of informing on fellow inmates in order
8 to curry favor with authorities, and sought and received benefits from the prosecution in
9 exchange for testimony in Petitioner’s proceeding, and falsely denied such during his testimony.
10 (See e.g., ECF No. 107 at 243 citing RT 3738.) The record reflects Gibson testified for the
11 prosecution notwithstanding the latter’s rejection of his demands for payment and other things
12 (RT 3745, 3770-71), a pending bench warrant, and his fear he might be harmed for testifying
13 should be again be incarcerated. (See RT 3743-50, 3762-70, 4349-50; see also CT 1024, 1328.)
14

Petitioner does not point to facts in the state record that: (i) Gibson, after being shot at on

15 the street in Los Angeles, was ineligible for placement in a witness protection program or that
16 such placement was other than consistent with Gibson’s testimony he was endangered by
17 assisting the prosecution’s case against Petitioner, and (ii) Gibson’s testimony was motivated by
18 relief from probation or parole. (Cf. ECF No. 107 at 246-48.)
19

Petitioner does not point to facts in the state record that Gibson previously purposefully

20 elicited information from fellow inmates in order to turn that information over to authorities, as
21 he did in this case. (See ECF No. 107 at 243.) Petitioner’s suggestion Gibson did so in
22 connection with a planned escape at the Lerdo jail appears unsupported in the factual record.
23 (Id.)
24

The state supreme court reasonably could reject Petitioner’s allegation the prosecution

25 withheld impeaching evidence that Gibson experienced severe psychiatric symptoms impacting
26 his ability to accurately perceive and relate Petitioner’s confession to him. (ECF No. 107 at 241,
27 249; ECF No. 210 at 151-52.) Support in the state evidentiary record is scant at best, suggesting
28 only Gibson had a history of mental disturbance and intravenous drug use and on occasion was
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1 incarcerated at state mental hospitals in California and Massachusetts. (2SHCP Ex.’s 2-8.)
2 Notably, Gibson testified he was not taking medication at Vacaville state hospital. (RT 3758.)
3

Also, the state supreme court reasonably could find such impeaching information

4 allegedly withheld by the prosecution, considered cumulatively and in the context of the entire
5 record, did not raise a reasonable probability of a different outcome by placing the case in a
6 different light, undermining confidence in the verdict. Particularly, Gibson’s credibility, while
7 somewhat self-impeached, found support in the untainted evidentiary record. Gibson testified to
8 statements about the capital crimes made to him by Petitioner more than two years before trial,
9 while he and Petitioner were incarcerated in the Vacaville California state mental facility. (See
10 RT 3727-49, 3758.) Gibson’s testimony included facts known only to law enforcement and the
11 killer. For example, Gibson testified in detail to: Petitioner’s bludgeoning of a white male, with
12 a “cheater pipe,” (RT 3728), during an attack that occurred near Mojave, California (RT 3727,
13 3735); Petitioner’s taking the girl accompanying the male to his truck, and with her inside
14 driving off, turning around and heading toward Southern California, then unloading and loading
15 the truck with the girl inside, and heading with the girl to Petitioner’s home in Oroville,
16 California (RT 3727-49, 3758); Petitioner’s forceable rape of the girl (id.); Petitioner’s wrapping
17 a cloth around the girl’s throat, gaging and strangling her (id.); and Petitioner’s enlisting of his
18 son in digging a hole that ultimately would serve as the girl’s grave (id.). Also, Gibson
19 apparently went to authorities with these statements years prior to his learning anything about
20 this case from media sources. (See RT 3750.)
21

(ii)

Prosecution Witness David Galbraith

22

Petitioner argues the prosecution withheld material evidence impeaching its penalty

23 phase witness David Galbraith, who testified about Petitioner’s crimes resulting in Petitioner’s
24 October 22, 1981 Ventura County conviction for conspiracy to commit first degree murder,
25 attempted murder, conspiracy to commit rape, kidnapping, oral copulation, and unlawful sexual
26 intercourse, with the use of a firearm. (ECF No. 107 at 251-56; ECF No. 210 at 152-54; see also
27 2SHCP Ex. 10; CT 1015-1018.) He argues the impeaching information allegedly withheld
28 denied him a fair trial and raises a reasonable probability the judgment was affected and might
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1 have been different. (See ECF No. 107 at 238, 251-56); see also Claim 7; Bagley, 473 U.S. at
2 682. He also argues the prosecutor failed to correct Galbraith’s false testimony regarding the
3 withheld criminal history. (ECF No. 107 at 241, 262-63; see also Claim 12, post.)
4

Particularly, Petitioner argues the prosecutor requested, obtained, and then withheld

5 Galbraith’s September 10, 1984 rap sheet out of Washington state which included information
6 that:
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15

•

Galbraith had committed multiple burglaries and thefts and had been convicted of
two counts of second-degree burglary. (ECF No. 107 at 252-53; 2SHCP Ex.’s 10
& 11.)

•

Galbraith had multiple juvenile cases relating to theft, drugs and running away
from home; and was terminated from the Jobs Corps for rules violations including
use of marijuana. (2SHCP Ex. 10.)

•

Galbraith committed sex offenses with underage co-victim in the Ventura County
proceeding, Michelle DeLong, including indecent liberties with a child and
communication with a minor for immoral purposes. (Id.)

•

Galbraith falsified a monthly probation report and repeatedly violated his
probation. (ECF No. 107 at 253-54; see also 2SHCP Ex. 10 at 96-98, 105-06.)

•

Galbraith suffered mental impairments prior to the Ventura County crimes; that
although his IQ was 120, he suffered “minimal brain damage” and was dyslexic,
hyperactive, and medicated for that condition, impulsive, abused substances
including alcohol, marijuana, and LSD, had been expelled from school, and had
received professional counseling for these issues. (See ECF No. 107 at 253-54;
2SHCP Ex. 10 at 82-84.)

•

Galbraith, as a result of being shot by Petitioner’s accomplice in the Ventura
crimes, suffered hearing losses, memory lapses, and bad dreams. (Id.)

16
17
18
19
20
21

The record reflects that out of the presence of the jury, the prosecutor told Counsel and

22 the trial court that: Galbraith was in custody in Washington state on a parole violation and a
23 pending burglary charge (RT 6858-60); the prosecutor did not have a rap sheet on Galbraith
24 because it would be out of Washington state and he did not request one (id.); Galbraith had five
25 or six impeachable felony convictions for burglary, theft or drug offenses, (id.); Washington state
26 parole and prosecuting authorities would consider Galbraith’s assistance in this case with a view
27 toward possible concessions (id.); the Kern County District Attorney would reimburse Galbraith
28 $120 for inmate work pay he would miss while in California waiting to testify in this case (id.);
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1 and that the trial court would inform the Washington state parole board of Galbraith’s testimony
2 in this case with a view toward protective custody (id.).
3

Here, the state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner offered only his surmise

4 that the prosecution was chargeable with and withheld Galbraith’s noted rap sheet. (See the
5 discussion of Claims 6, 7, and 11, herein); see also Barker, 423 F.3d at 1099). Notably, Counsel
6 conceded that at arraignment in Petitioner’s capital proceeding, the prosecutor handed him a 27 inch thick file from the Ventura proceeding. (CT 382.) Petitioner does not point to facts in the
8 state record supporting his allegation the prosecutor possessed a Galbraith rap sheet prior to trial.
9

Relatedly, the state supreme court reasonably could reject Petitioner’s allegation the

10 prosecution withheld material evidence that would have impeached Galbraith based upon his
11 noted criminal history, and presented his related materially false testimony. As noted, the
12 prosecutor, outside the presence of the jury, summarized for Counsel and the Court Galbraith’s
13 criminal history and testimonial inducements. Galbraith himself testified to his multiple felony
14 history including five or six burglary and narcotic offenses, and to his current incarceration. (RT
15 6861-63, 6877, 6883.) Given the foregoing, the state supreme court reasonably could find
16 Petitioner failed to point to undisclosed material impeachment evidence in Galbraith’s rap sheet.
17 (See 2SHCP Ex.’s 10-11.)
18

Moreover, the states supreme court reasonably could find the impeaching criminal history

19 information allegedly withheld by the prosecution, considered cumulatively and in the context of
20 the entire record, did not raise a reasonable probability of a different outcome by placing the case
21 in a different light, undermining confidence in the verdict. (See ECF No. 209 at 74.) Galbraith
22 testified to his multiple felony background ((RT 6861-63, 6877, 6883), his sexual activity with
23 then sixteen-year-old DeLong (RT 6879; see also 6906), the prosecution’s agreement to pay him
24 $120 in inmate wages lost due to his testimony in Petitioner’s proceeding (RT 6875-76), and the
25 prosecution’s agreement to apprise Washington state parole and prosecuting authorities of his
26 cooperation in Petitioner’s proceeding (id.). Any mere inconsistencies in such testimony are
27 insufficient to establish that a prosecutor knowingly permitted the admission of false testimony.
28 United States v. Zuno–Arce, 44 F.3d 1420, 1423 (9th Cir. 1995). “Discrepancies in . . . testimony
176

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1 . . . could as easily flow from errors in recollection as from lies.” Id.
2

The state supreme court reasonably could reject Petitioner’s allegation the prosecution

3 withheld material evidence that would have impeached Galbraith on his psychosocial history.
4 That court reasonably could find impeaching psychosocial history information allegedly
5 withheld by the prosecution, considered cumulatively and in the context of the entire record, did
6 not raise a reasonable probability of a different outcome by placing the case in a different light,
7 undermining confidence in the verdict. For example, Petitioner suggests evidence was withheld
8 that: as a child, Galbraith was medicated for hyperactivity, dyslexic, had a short attention span,
9 and was impulsive; as a teenager, Galbraith was diagnosed as having minimal brain damage,
10 began using alcohol and marijuana at age 15, refused to follow rules and was expelled from high
11 school where his language disability problems had placed him in classes with mentally impaired
12 children (2SHCP Ex. 10 at 82-83); as an adult, Galbraith was terminated from the Job Corps for
13 smoking marijuana, sought psychiatric counseling following a bad experience with LSD, and
14 suffered headaches and memory lapses from being shot in the head during the Ventura crimes
15 (id.). Still, the state record reflects Galbraith’s above noted behavioral problems; multiple gun
16 shots to the head during the Ventura County crimes; that Galbraith tested to an IQ of 120 (see
17 2SHCP Ex. 10 at 82-84); and that his testimony in Petitioner’s proceeding was coherent and
18 grounded in the factual record (RT 6861-92), and in the main corroborated by the testimony of
19 his co-victim in the Ventura crimes, DeLong (RT 6893-6921).
20

Furthermore, the state supreme court reasonably could reject Petitioner’s allegation the

21 prosecution withheld evidence that would have impeached Galbraith’s testimony against
22 Petitioner in the Ventura proceeding. Petitioner suggests Galbraith colluded with James Prizzi, a
23 jailhouse informant in the Ventura County proceeding.

But Petitioner points only to the

24 unspecified contents of a confiscated letter allegedly passed between Galbraith and Prizzi. (ECF
25 No. 107 at 255-56, citing RT 6969.) The state supreme court reasonably could be unpersuaded
26 in these regards.
27

Petitioner also suggests Galbraith was disqualified from testifying in the Ventura

28 proceeding to the extent he was hypnotized by the Ventura County Sheriff prior to his testimony .
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1 (ECF No. 107 at 254-55 citing People v. Shirley, 31 Cal. 3d 18 (1982), People v. Guerra, 37 Cal.
2 3d 385 (1984); see also ECF No. 210 at 153 citing 1SHCP Ex.’s 34, 129.) However, this Court,
3 in its prior order denying claimed ineffective assistance at the sanity and penalty phases (see
4 respectively Claims 8 and 9, herein), concluded the impeachment value of the hypnosis evidence
5 was minimal and non-prejudicial, stating that:
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

Petitioner claims that counsel failed to present evidence that he was kind to Mr.
Galbraith. Petitioner also claims that had counsel investigated Mr. Galbraith’s
mental health and criminal history, she would have discovered impeachment
evidence and excluded Mr. Galbraith’s hypnotically-induced testimony. However,
the mitigating value of the state habeas proffer in this regard seems minimal. Mr.
Galbraith testified as an eyewitness. (See e.g., RT 6870-71, 6888, 6899, 6901-06.)
His testimony was corroborated by Ms. DeLong. (Id.)
As to issue of hypnosis, it appears Mr. Galbraith gave a statement to Ventura
County authorities under hypnosis relating only to the accuracy of a police artist
drawing of the perpetrator. (See RT 6861-91.) It appears the hypnotic testimony
of Mr. Galbraith, even if errantly admitted at trial, closely tracked the substance of
his non-hypnotic statements and testimony relating to the Ventura County crimes
(see SHCP Ex. 129 at 22-25), and at best represented only minor mitigating value.

14
15 (ECF No. 209 at 74.) As the Court then noted, the standard for determining materiality under
16 Brady is the same as the standard for determining prejudice under Strickland. See Kyles, 514
17 U.S. at 434; Bagley, 473 U.S. at 682.
18

Finally, Galbraith’s credibility found support in the untainted evidentiary record.

19 Galbraith testified as a victim, a percipient witness to Petitioner’s crimes in the Ventura County
20 proceeding which included the attempted murder of Galbraith and the kidnap and rape of
21 Galbraith’s girlfriend, Delong. (See RT 6872-92; see also ECF No. 209 at 74.) As noted,
22 Galbraith’s testimony was corroborated by Delong’s testimony in Petitioner’s proceeding. (See
23 RT 6893-6921.)
24

(iii)

25

Petitioner argues the prosecution withheld material exculpatory evidence about its sanity

Prosecution Witness Cecil Sneed

26 phase witness Cecil Sneed, who discounted fellow-inmate testimony about alleged bizarre
27 behavior by Petitioner in the Lerdo Jail facility (ECF No. 107 at 256-57 citing RT 6521-27; see
28 also 2SHCP Ex.’s 12-13), and testified to Petitioner’s threats should Sneed testify against him
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1 (see RT 6528-31).
2

The record reflects Sneed testified that Petitioner asked him and other inmates to testify

3 Petitioner was up nights talking to imaginary people. (ECF No. 107 at 256, citing RT 6524-26.)
4 Sneed testified Petitioner did not talk to imaginary people at night, but that Petitioner told him he
5 was staying up one or two days at a time in prelude to psychological or psychiatric tests that
6 were being conducted at the request of his trial defense counsel. (ECF No. 107 at 256, citing RT
7 6527-28.)
8

Petitioner argues the prosecution withheld impeaching evidence of Sneed’s criminal and

9 institutional mental health records, and of assistance provided by the prosecution in resolving
10 Sneed’s pending criminal matters.

He points to evidence the prosecution failed to disclose

11 Sneed’s 1983 grand larceny conviction in Oklahoma, and prosecution assistance in resolving
12 Sneed’s related parole violation. (ECF No. 107 at 256-57 citing 2SHCP Ex. 14 at 302; see also
13 ECF No. 210 at 154 citing 2SHCP Ex.’s 12-15.) He points to evidence the prosecution failed to
14 disclose Sneed’s allegedly poor mental health including Sneed’s multiple arrests for alcohol15 related offenses and his apparent intellectual limitations including inability to read and write.
16 (ECF No. 107 at 257-58 citing 2SHCP Ex. 15 at 319.)
17

However, the state supreme court reasonably could find the state record belies

18 Petitioner’s allegations. Prior to Sneed’s testimony, the prosecutor stated on the record that he
19 had provided “a rap sheet to the defense, which is taken from one of our files, also consistent
20 with the one on the probation report in that case” and which included felony convictions for
21 “auto theft[,]” and that Sneed was then in custody on a “escape” charge and due to be released in
22 August 1985. (RT 6512-13.) The prosecutor stated the rap sheet showed that Sneed had a
23 conviction in Oklahoma in the early 1960’s, apparently for receiving stolen property, which
24 might be a felony. (RT 6515.) The prosecutor also stated that as a condition of his testimony,
25 the sentence Sneed was then serving would be modified to time served, and he would be given
26 up to $150 for transportation to leave the area. (RT 6513.)
27

Counsel, for her part acknowledged on the record receipt of a rap sheet for Sneed which

28 showed an extensive criminal history going back over 25 years including charges of
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1 embezzlement and a conviction for burglary, both out of Oklahoma, which were not mentioned
2 by the prosecutor. (Id.). Prior to Sneed’s sanity phase testimony, Counsel was allowed to
3 question him about his rap sheet and criminal history outside the jury’s presence, and ultimately
4 the parties agreed Sneed’s 1974 burglary conviction and 1983 auto theft conviction and the
5 escape charge on which he was then in custody would be available for presentation to the jury.
6 (RT 6518.) Petitioner’s suggestion Sneed received assistance in resolving violation of parole on
7 his 1983 Oklahoma auto theft conviction apparently lacks support in the state record. (See
8 2SHCP Ex. 14 at 302.)
9

Given the foregoing, the state supreme court reasonably could find the allegedly withheld

10 impeaching evidence, considered cumulatively and in the context of the entire record, did not
11 raise a reasonable probability of a different outcome by placing the case in a different light,
12 undermining confidence in the verdict. Especially so, given that Sneed’s testimony was to some
13 degree self-impeaching. (See ECF No. 209 at 39.) Sneed testified that he was then incarcerated
14 in the Lerdo Jail facility (RT 6522-23), and that he agreed to testify against Petitioner in
15 exchange for his release from custody for time served on his one year sentence (RT 6525), and a
16 bus ticket (RT 6531). Sneed testified that he had convictions for burglary and grand theft auto.
17 (RT 6534.) Sneed testified that he could not read. (RT 6532; see also RT 6579.) Petitioner does
18 not identify in the state record, with any sufficient degree of specificity, undisclosed mental state
19 evidence. Sneed conceded during cross-examination that prior to trial he was interviewed by and
20 told Counsel he would testify that Petitioner talked to imaginary people. (RT 6526-27, 6533.)
21

Also, Sneed’s testimony was countered by that of fellow Lerdo jail inmates. Charles

22 Shannon and Christopher Flores testified in support of Petitioner’s insanity defense. Shannon
23 and Flores testified that Petitioner paced and talked to himself in their jail cell late at night. (RT
24 6573, 6580-83.) Carl Hogan, who shared a cell with Petitioner for one night approximately one
25 year prior to his testimony, testified that Petitioner talked to himself during the night. (RT 571626 18.)

Richard Archuleta, who shared a cell with Petitioner for a couple months in the fall of

27 1984, similarly testified that Petitioner talked to himself. (RT 5723-25.)
28

Furthermore, Petitioner concedes that the Court, in its previous denial of Claims 8 and 9,
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1 concluded that Sneed’s testimony was significantly impeached even without this additional
2 information, which the Court found of “little evidentiary value.” (See ECF No. 209 at 39-40.)
3

Particularly, the Court previously found that:

4
5
6
7
8

Even if counsel were deficient as alleged, the state supreme court reasonably
could have found the alleged deficiencies harmless on grounds there was no
reasonable probability of a different result had further impeachment been offered.
Inmate Sneed was impeached, and his credibility impugned to a significant degree
on the trial record. Other inmates gave testimony favorable to petitioner. The state
supreme court could reasonably have ascribed little evidentiary value to additional
evidence impeaching inmate Sneed.

9 (ECF No. 209 at 39-40.) The standard for determining materiality under Brady is the same as
10 the standard for determining prejudice under Strickland. See Kyles, 514 U.S. at 434; Bagley,
11 473 U.S. at 682. Moreover, the sanity phase was the scene of extensive expert testimony
12 presented by both parties. Only when the government has suppressed material evidence
13 favorable to the defendant, must the conviction be set aside. Silva, 416 F.3d at 986.
14

(iv)

Other Material Exculpatory Evidence

15

Petitioner argues the prosecution withheld certain other material exculpatory evidence.

16 However, the state supreme court reasonably could find the allegedly withheld evidence,
17 considered cumulatively and in the context of the entire record, did not raise a reasonable
18 probability of a different outcome by placing the case in a different light, undermining
19 confidence in the verdict.
20

Petitioner argues the prosecution failed to disclose material exculpatory evidence relating

21 to his competence to stand trial. He argues the prosecution withheld evidence that during breaks
22 in the sanity phase, Petitioner told courtroom custodial staff he did not understand much of Dr.
23 Alfred Owre testimony and that he had to “ask the Huffmans what each doctor was actually
24 saying.” (ECF No. 107 at 258.) He argues that after reading an article relating to the
25 confirmation hearings for Attorney General Edwin Meese, Petitioner stated to courtroom
26 custodial staff, “I don’t know where he’s a Senator from.” (Id.) But Counsel was aware she
27 needed to assist Petitioner in his understanding of courtroom proceedings and stated as much on
28 the record. (See Claims 3, 4, herein.) Moreover, the issue of Petitioner’s competence to stand
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1 trial and expert opinion thereon was extensively litigated. (See Claims 3, 4, 5, herein.)
2 Anecdotal evidence of Petitioner’s comment to courtroom staff, even if admissible, reasonably
3 appears no more than innocuous. (Id.).
4

Petitioner argues the prosecution withheld and failed to preserve evidence of his truck

5 driving records that showed his history of amphetamine use including at the time of the capital
6 crimes, evidence supporting a “speed psychosis” defense at the guilt phase. (ECF No. 107 at
7 258-62) Still, Petitioner himself testified during the guilt phase to his continuous use of “speed ”
8 over his one and one-half years as a truck driver preceding the capital crimes, and that his
9 employer at the time of the capital crimes, Bellegante Trucking, was aware he used “speed.”
10 (RT 4072-74.) Furthermore, where a criminal defendant alleges failure to preserve potentially
11 useful evidence, there is no denial of due process absent a showing of bad faith on the part of the
12 authorities. Arizona v. Youngblood, 488 U.S. 51, 58 (1988). Here, the state supreme court
13 reasonably could find Petitioner made no such showing on the state record.
14

Petitioner also argues the prosecution withheld evidence arising out of the Ventura

15 County proceeding, evidence that Jerrold Daniels, Petitioner’s co-defendant therein, was
16 extremely mentally ill, addicted to pain killers and alcohol, had attempted suicide, suffered
17 multiple nervous breakdowns requiring in-patient psychiatric treatment and therapy, tended
18 toward violence, and had taken full responsibility for the attempted murder of Galbraith. (ECF
19 No. 107 at 260-61.) However, at the penalty phase, co-victims Galbraith and DeLong testified
20 in detail to the crimes against then as perpetrated by Petitioner and Daniels. (See RT 6861-6921;
21 see also Barker, 423 F.3d at 1099.
Due Process – Plea Agreement

22

(v)

23

Petitioner argues the prosecutor abused his discretion and committed misconduct by

24 refusing to honor a plea agreement that would have resulted in a life sentence, denying Petitioner
25 a reliable sentence. (ECF No. 107 at 263.) He argues that a “proposed pre-trial agreement
26 permitting Petitioner to plead guilty for two sentences of life without parole” was withdrawn for
27 politically based reasons by then Kern County District Attorney, Ed Jagels (ECF No. 107 at 26328 64), an active proponent of the death penalty “[who had] announced that he personally would see
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1 to it that Petitioner received the death penalty.” (ECF No. 107 at 263.)
2

As noted, a petitioner is entitled to habeas corpus relief if the prosecutor’s misconduct

3 “so infected the trial with unfairness as to make the resulting conviction a denial of due process.”
4 Darden, 477 U.S. at 181; see also Tan, 413 F.3d at 1112; Floyd, 949 F.3d at 1150. The court
5 must keep in mind that “[t]he touchstone of due process analysis in cases of alleged prosecutorial
6 misconduct is the fairness of the trial, not the culpability of the prosecutor” and “the aim of due
7 process is not punishment of society for the misdeeds of the prosecutor but avoidance of an
8 unfair trial to the accused.” Phillips, 455 U.S. at 219.
9

The State's breach of a plea agreement implicates the constitutional guarantee of due

10 process. Mabry v. Johnson, 467 U.S. 504, 509 (1984), disapproved on other grounds by Puckett
11 v. U.S., 556 U.S, 129 (2009); Brown v. Poole, 337 F.3d 1155, 1159 (9th Cir.2003).
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23

“Plea agreements are contractual in nature and measured by contract law
standards.” In re Ellis, 356 F.3d 1198, 1207 (9th Cir.2004) (en banc); Buckley v.
Terhune, 441 F.3d 688, 695 (9th Cir.2006) (en banc), cert. denied, 550 U.S. 913,
127 S.Ct. 2094, 167 L.Ed.2d 831 (2007); Brown, 337 F.3d at 1159. Under
“clearly established federal law[,] ... the construction and interpretation of state
court plea agreements ‘and the concomitant obligations flowing therefrom are,
within broad bounds of reasonableness, matters of state law.’ ” Buckley, 441 F.3d
at 694–95 (quoting Ricketts v. Adamson, 483 U.S. 1, 6 n. 3, 107 S.Ct. 2680, 2684
n. 3, 97 L.Ed.2d 1 (1987)). “Under California law, a contract must be interpreted
so as ‘to give effect to the mutual intention of the parties as it existed at the time
of contracting.’ ” Davis, 446 F.3d at 962 (quoting Cal. Civ. Code § 1636). In so
doing, “[a] court must first look to the plain meaning of the agreement's
language.” Buckley, 441 F.3d at 695 (citing Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1638, 1644). “If the
language in the contract is ambiguous, ‘it must be interpreted in the sense in
which the promisor believed, at the time of making it, that the promisee
understood it[,]’ ” which means looking to the “ ‘objectively reasonable’
expectation of the promisee.” Buckley, 441 F.3d at 695 (citations omitted). “If
after this second inquiry the ambiguity remains, ‘the language of a contract should
be interpreted most strongly against the party who caused the uncertainty to
exist.’ ” Id. at 695–96 (citations omitted).

24 Orozco v. Clark, 705 F. Supp. 2d 1158, 1168 (C.D. Cal. 2010).
25
26
27
28

“[D]ue process rights conferred by the federal constitution allow [a defendant] to
enforce the terms of [his] plea agreement.” Brown v. Poole, 337 F.3d 1155, 1159
(9th Cir.2003). It is axiomatic that when a plea agreement rests in any significant
degree on a promise or agreement of the prosecutor, so that it can be said to be a
part of the inducement or consideration, such promise must be fulfilled.
Santobello v. New York, 404 U.S. 257, 262, 92 S.Ct. 495, 30 L.Ed.2d 427 (1971);
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1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Mabry v. Johnson, 467 U.S. 504, 509–10, 104 S.Ct. 2543, 81 L.Ed.2d 437 (1984)
(clarifying that a Santobello claim requires the plea to be induced by the
prosecutor's promise); see also Davis v. Woodford, 446 F.3d 957, 961 (9th
Cir.2006) (when a prosecutor adds a term to the agreement during the plea
colloquy, that term becomes a part of the agreement regardless of the parties' prior
understanding); Brown, 337 F.3d at 1159. The determination of the defendant's
“rights and responsibilities under the plea agreement is controlled by the
principles of fundamental fairness imposed by the Due Process Clause.”
Santobello, 404 U.S. 257 at 262–62, 92 S.Ct. 495 (emphasis added). “Where a
plea agreement is breached, the purpose of the remedy is, to the extent possible, to
‘repair the harm caused by the breach.’ ” Buckley, 441 F.3d at 699 (quoting
Toscano, 124 Cal.App.4th at 345, 20 Cal.Rptr.3d 923) (citing People v. Kaanehe,
19 Cal.3d 1, 14, 136 Cal.Rptr. 409, 559 P.2d 1028 (1977))). Santobello provides
that depending on the circumstances of the case, specific performance and
withdrawal of the plea are both available remedies for breach. Santobello, 404
U.S. at 263, 92 S.Ct. 495.

9 Quintana v. Cate, 88 F. Supp. 3d 1102, 1112-13 (C.D. Cal. 2015).
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17

A criminal defendant has a due process right to enforce the terms of a plea
agreement into which he and the State entered. See Santobello v. New York, 92
S.Ct. 495, 498–99 (1971). “[W]hen a plea rests in any significant degree on a
promise or agreement of the prosecutor, so that it can be said to be part of the
inducement or consideration, such promise must be fulfilled.” Id. at 499. “In
construing an agreement, the court must determine what the defendant reasonably
understood to be the terms of the agreement when he pleaded guilty.” United
States v. De La Fuente, 8 F.3d 1333, 1337 (9th Cir.1993); see also Gunn v.
Ignacio, 263 F.3d 965, 970 (9th Cir.2001). “[T]he construction of the plea
agreement and the concomitant obligations flowing therefrom are, within broad
bounds of reasonableness, matters of state law.” Ricketts v. Adamson, 107 S.Ct.
2680, 2683 n.3 (1987). Plea agreements are construed under ordinary rules of
contract interpretation. See, e.g., Brown v. Poole, 337 F.3d 1155, 1159 (9th Cir.
2003).

18
19 Allen v. Dyer, No. CV 14-5492-R (GJS), 2015 WL 4776872 at *5 (C.D. Cal. June 23, 2015),
20 report and recommendation adopted, No. 14-5492-R (GJS), 2015 WL 4757646 (C.D. Cal. Aug.
21 10, 2015).
22

Here, the state supreme court reasonably could reject the allegation because Petitioner

23 fails to support it with facts in the record showing a plea agreement was reached, the terms and
24 conditions thereof, and Petitioner’s plea or change in position in reliance thereon.
25

Furthermore, Petitioner plea agreement argument, unsupported in the state record, raises

26 no more than harmless error under Brecht. Petitioner’s suggestion that “[t]he political basis of
27 the decision to seek the death penalty also denied [him] equal protection under the Fourteenth
28 Amendment[,]” (see ECF No. 107 at 264), fails, for the reasons stated. (See Claims 12, 27,
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1 herein.)
2

d.

Conclusions

3

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of Claim 11 as

4 prosecutorial misconduct was not contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly
5 established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable
6 determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28
7 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
8

Claim 11 allegations of prosecutorial misconduct shall be denied.

9

2.

10

Claim 12

Petitioner alleges the prosecutor engaged in multiple instances of misconduct during pre-

11 trial and trial proceedings, violating his rights under the Fifth, Sixth, Eight and Fourteenth
12 Amendments.22 (ECF No. 107 at 265-82.)
13

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

14

Claim 12 allegations that the prosecutor misled the jury and misstated the law regarding

15 mitigating evidence were raised and rejected on direct appeal on the merits, as follows:
16
When the prosecutor asserted in closing argument that the section 190.3, factor
(h) analysis was “[b]asically ... a review of the sanity phase in the case,” he was
likely not urging the jury to apply the same level of proof. Instead, he appeared to
be urging the jury to find there was insufficient persuasive evidence showing
defendant suffered a mental disease or defect. “The only thing I am going to say
with regard to that is I don't think there is evidence to support it. There was an
attempt made to present evidence showing that. I think that evidence failed in that
regard for the reasons that I have stated earlier in my argument.” The prosecutor
reminded the jury that, during voir dire, the jurors affirmed that they “could
consider [mental disease or defect as a mitigating factor] even though the
defendant might be sane.” Although the prosecutor could have more clearly
explained the difference in the standard of proof between legal insanity
(“substantial capacity”) and factor (h) (“impaired”), we conclude the prosecutor
did not mislead the jury.

17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24

25 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 983.
26

Claim 12 allegations that the prosecutor committed misconduct by releasing comments

27 and information to the media, peremptorily challenging Kern County Superior Court Judge
28

22

Petitioner states that the factual allegations in Claims 1,2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 17 and 18 are incorporated h erein.

185

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1 Robert Baca, arguing at the guilt phase closing Petitioner’s assertion of his right to remain silent
2 during initial questioning by Kern County authorities, failing to provide timely notice of the
3 felony murder-rape theory as to victim Radford, and arguing at the penalty phase closing the law
4 and evidence to be considered in the sentence determination, were presented to the California
5 Supreme Court in Petitioner’s second state habeas petition (Lod. Doc. 23 at 38-60), and
6 summarily denied on the merits and on procedural grounds. (Lod. Doc. 24.)
7

b.

Legal Standard

8

The standard for prosecutorial misconduct generally is set out in section VII, C, 1, b, (i),

9 herein.
10

c.

Analysis

11

Petitioner argues the prosecutor engaged in numerous acts of misconduct prior to and

12 during trial, which so infected the integrity of his trial that the error cannot be deemed harmless.
13 These arguments are discussed separately below.
14

(i)

Comments and Information Released to the Media

15

Petitioner argues the prosecutor committed misconduct “by releasing unethical and

16 severely prejudicial comments and confidential information about Petitioner’s case to the
17 newspaper and television media prior to and during trial[,]” even after the trial court’s issuance
18 of gag orders and Petitioner’s related change of venue motion. (ECF No. 107 at 265-66; see
19 also id. at 266, citing to the American Bar Association Code of Professional Responsibility and
20 related standards that such conduct is punishable as contempt.)
21

The record reflects that in June 1983, in response to Petitioner’s Motion to Suppress

22 Pretrial Publicity and Issue a Gag Order following alleged prejudicial publicity, the trial court
23 issued a gag order that “the parties not directly or indirectly release to any news media
24 information or opinion concerning the trial or any issue likely to be involved therein, other than
25 the date and place of trial, the names of the parties and counsel, the contents of the complaint,
26 and the plea of the defendant[,]” and prohibiting “public statements or releases concerning the
27 merits of the complaint, the evidence or arguments to be adduced by either side, or trial tactics or
28 strategy.” (ECF No. 107 at 268 citing CT 243-44.) The trial court shortly thereafter extended
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1 the gag order to all participating law enforcement agencies. (See CT 268-69.)
2

Petitioner argues the Kern County District Attorney, politically motivated to get a death

3 verdict, continued to release prejudicial comments and information published in the Bakersfield
4 Californian newspaper and/or included in local television coverage. He points to media coverage
5 that he had confessed to the charged offenses, and falsely portraying him as a multi-state serial
6 rapist and killer. (ECF No. 107 at 266-68.) He points to media coverage “linking [his]
7 confession to defense counsel’s ‘scrambling to make a deal.’ ” (Id.; see also 2SHCP Ex. 16 at
8 321.) He points to the prosecutor’s comments to the media regarding proposed guilt phase
9 rebuttal testimony by Petitioner’s mother refuting aspects of the defense relating to whether she
10 bit Petitioner as a child, as a method of disciplining him. (ECF No. 107 at 269-70 citing RT
11 4307, 4324-27; see also RT 4293-4300.)
12

Petitioner also argues the trial court’s denial of his motion for jury sequestration

13 compounded the prejudice from the prosecutor’s misconduct alleged above. (ECF No. 107 at
14 269-70 citing RT 4326-27.)
15

However, the supreme court reasonably could reject the allegations as at most reflective

16 of ordinary trial errors. (See Claim 12, herein, discussing the factual predicate in the context of
17 claimed trial court error); see also Phillips, 455 U.S. at 221. Petitioner does not point to facts in
18 the record, on voir dire and otherwise, suggesting the jury was tainted by the media evidence and
19 that the media evidence was so significant as to deny him a fair trial. (See Claim 10); see also
20 Greer, 483 U.S. at 765. For example, the trial court observed the proffer regarding the mother’s
21 proposed testimony was made outside the presence of the jury and thus could not be prejudicial.
22 (RT 4293.) Relatedly, the trial court did not find the prosecutor in violation of the gag orders.
23

Petitioner goes on to argue that the conduct of the state in this case was deliberate and

24 egregious and part of a pattern of prosecutorial misconduct which so infected the integrity of the
25 proceeding against Petitioner that the error cannot be deemed harmless. (ECF No 107 at 282.)
26 But even assuming arguendo the prosecutor’s alleged misconduct, the state supreme court
27 reasonably could find it harmless, for the reasons stated. Significantly, Petitioner does not point
28 to facts in the record that the seated jurors were aware of and considered the media evidence.
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1

(ii)

Disqualification of Superior Court Judge Baca

2

Petitioner argues the prosecutor committed misconduct by peremptorily challenging Kern

3 County Superior Court Judge Robert T. Baca’s assignment to his case. (ECF No. 107 at 270-71
4 citing CT 1027-1028.)
5

Petitioner suggests that Judge Baca knew of Lead Counsel’s alcohol problems and case-

6 related impacts, and argues the prosecutor sought to avoid removal of Lead Counsel on this
7 basis. (Id.) Relatedly, Petitioner argues the prosecutor engaged in misconduct by failing to
8 inform the trial court of Lead Counsel’s alcoholism. (ECF No. 107 at 271; see also Claims 1, 2,
9 herein; ECF No. 162 at 98-100.)
10

However, the state supreme court reasonably could reject the allegations as mere surmise.

11 The state record reflects that the recusal motion was grounded in Judge Baca’s alleged prejudice
12 against the Kern County District Attorney’s Office. (CT 1027-28.) Petitioner’s suggestion the
13 recusal motion was motivated by a desire to avoid removal of allegedly incompetent counsel is
14 unsupported factually. Moreover, the Court previously found Petitioner was not denied counsel
15 on grounds of impaired and incompetent counsel. (See ECF No. 162 at 98-100; Claim 1, herein.)
16

To the extent Petitioner revisits argument that the conduct of the prosecution in this case

17 was part of a pattern of harmful misconduct (ECF No 107 at 282), the allegation fails, for the
18 reasons stated (see Claim 27, herein). Petitioner does not provide legal or factual argument
19 suggesting removal of Judge Baca denied him a fair trial and was harmful error under Brecht.
20

(iii)

Guilt Phase Closing Argument

21

Petitioner argues the prosecutor committed misconduct by “improperly denigrat[ing]

22 [his] testimony and his defense, by accusing him of being a liar, and by declaring that his defense
23 was a sham, and the defense theory recently fabricated.” (ECF No. 107 at 274.) He points to
24 prosecution argument that Petitioner’s testimony was geared to avoid evidence of intent to kill
25 and killing in the perpetration of a felony, and alleged misstatement of the relevant law by telling
26 the jury that “[a] killing in the perpetration of a felony or the attempt to perpetrate a felony
27 extends to a point in time until the perpetrator has completed the act and reached a point of
28 temporary safety.” (Id. at 275-79, citing RT 4322-56, 4423-28.) He points to prosecution
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1 argument allegedly vouching for its witnesses (id. citing to RT 4349-50, 4422), and acting as a
2 spokesperson for the victims (ECF No. 210 at 160-61). He points to prosecution argument
3 suggesting an unfavorable inference from Petitioner’s alleged invocation of his right to remain
4 silent arising from what he characterizes as his initial refusal to speak with Kern County
5 authorities about the capital crimes. (ECF No. 107 at 278 citing RT 4042, 4334, 4345; ECF No.
6 210 at 158 citing RT 4334-45; Doyle v. Ohio, 426 U.S. 610, 618 (1976) (silence at time of arrest
7 may not be used to impeach an exculpatory story proffered for the first time at trial).)
8

However, the state supreme court reasonably could reject these allegations. The

9 prosecutor is accorded certain leeway in arguing the facts of the case. Boyde, 494 U.S. at 384-85
10 (arguments of counsel, like the instructions of the court, must be judged in the context in which
11 they are made). Additionally, the jury properly was instructed that attorney statements were not
12 evidence. (CT 1368.) Jurors are presumed to understand and follow instructions. Weeks, 528
13 U.S. at 234. Here, the state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner failed to demonstrate
14 the prosecutor exceeded the bounds of fair argument or argued facts not in evidence infecting the
15 trial with unfairness, for the reasons discussed below.
16

The state supreme court reasonably could find the prosecutor’s argument relating to the

17 law of premediated and felony murder was not premised in a misstatement of the applicable law,
18 the evidence, or the instructions given by the trial court. (See Claims 20, 21, 22, herein.)
19 Particularly, Petitioner suggests the prosecutor improperly argued evidence relating to
20 Petitioner’s intent to kill Levoy. (See RT 4345-49.) Petitioner notes the prosecutor’s argument
21 “[D]id she bite him? There was evidence he was bit. We don’t know that it was her but let’s
22 assume she did bite him, and it hurt, and it made him mad. Did he intend to kill her? If you are
23 angry enough, you intend to kill.” (RT 4348.) But the state supreme court reasonably could find
24 only fair argument as to Petitioner’s proffered testimony suggesting the killing of Levoy was an
25 unconscious act. Moreover, the prosecutor informed the jury that the trial court would provide
26 instruction thereon. (RT 4308.) The trial court ultimately instructed the jurors on murder and
27 felony murder, the required mental states (see e.g., CT 1389-97, 1402 1430-33), and on
28 unconscious acts (CT 1445-1446). Here again, the jury is presumed to understand and follow
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1 their instructions. Weeks, 528 U.S. at 234.
2

The state supreme court reasonably could find the prosecutor’s argument allegedly

3 vouching for certain of its witnesses was merely fair argument. Petitioner points prosecution
4 argument that:
5
6
7
8

One, as I indicated is you evaluate the evidence and ask yourself who has a reason
to tell you something other than the truth. Do any of the People’s witnesses have
that reason? I submit that they don’t. Most of them are simply people who became
involved either because they saw something and have no reason to change their
story or to make up anything or to either aggravate it or minimize it.” (RT 4349.)

11

Does Ricky Gibson have any reason to come in here and make this up? He went
to law enforcement originally. He told them what he had. Following that, yes, he
did. He wanted to be paid. I suppose it’s human nature if you have something you
think is of value. He demanded payment. He was advised that he wouldn’t get
any. He testified before, he testified at the trial. He testified to receiving nothing,
nobody refuted that and there is no reason to think that he received anything.

12

[¶]

13

He, also, testified what would happen to him if being labeled a snitch he was
returned to prison. If anything, he has reason to tell less than what he was told, to
minimize it, but he came forward and told the story he had told before.” (RT
4349-50.)

9
10

14
15
16

“So, it isn’t Gibson who came here and lied to you and told you something other
than what happened.” (RT 4422.)

17
18

Still, the prosecutor prefaced his remarks by explaining to the jury that he was going to

19 “go through some of the reasons” why “you should reject the defendant’s version of what
20 happened in this case.” (RT 4349.) He stated jurors should “evaluate the evidence and ask
21 yourself who has a reason to tell you something other than the truth.” (Id.). The state supreme
22 court reasonably could find the prosecutor argued for the credibility of its witnesses and
23 Petitioner, based upon persuasive value of facts in the record. See Nichols v. Garcia, No. C 9824 1301 CRB(PR), 1999 WL 459362 at *4 (N.D. Cal. June 28, 1999) (citing United States v.
25 Berger, 295 U.S. 78, 86–88 (1935)) (it is misconduct for the prosecutor to vouch for the
26 credibility of a witness by giving personal assurances of the witness's truthfulness or suggesting
27 that there is information not presented to the jury which supports the witness's testimony). For
28 example, as to Gibson, the prosecutor’s comment that it wasn’t he who “came here and lied to
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1 you[,]” related to portions of Petitioner’s confession to Gibson which Petitioner later admitted he
2 made up. (See RT 4422.)
3

Moreover, the jury was instructed on evaluating witness credibility and weighing

4 evidence (see CT 1374-79), and reasonably would have considered the prosecutor’s argument in
5 the context of these instructions. The state supreme court reasonably could find the concerns
6 espoused by the Supreme Court proscribing vouching, i.e., the danger of implying either that
7 there is unpresented evidence bolstering the witness's credibility, or that the witness's testimony
8 has the government's imprimatur (see United States v. Young, 470 U.S. 1, 18 (1985)), not to be
9 present on the facts and circumstances of this case.
10

The state supreme court also reasonably could find the prosecutor’s argument

11 commenting regarding Petitioner’s temporary cessation of his initial interview with Kern County
12 authorities not improper as implicating his right to remain silent. Petitioner observes the
13 prosecutor argued that:
14
15
16

[Petitioner] told [the officers] he didn’t want to talk to them, but I questioned him
about that; “did you tell them you didn’t want to talk, or did you talk and deny
involvement?” He talked but denied involvement. He said “I don’t know what
you are talking about. Let me talk to my mother and maybe we will talk again.”

17 (RT 4334; see also RT 4345.)
18

The Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination generally prohibits a

19 prosecutor from commenting on a defendant's decision not to testify. Gwin v. Martel, No. CV
20 14-6083-MWF (GJS), 2016 WL 8223274 at *41–42 (C.D. Cal. June 21, 2016), report and
21 recommendation adopted, No. CV 14-6083-MWF (GJS), 2017 WL 517759 (C.D. Cal. Feb. 6,
22 2017) (citing Griffin v. California, 380 U.S. 609, 615 (1965)). Particularly, a “prosecutor may
23 not treat a defendant's exercise of his right to remain silent at trial as substantive evidence of
24 guilt.” United States v. Robinson, 485 U.S. 25, 34 (1988). The Ninth Circuit has stated that “a
25 direct comment about the defendant's failure to testify always violates Griffin, [but] a
26 prosecutor's indirect comment violates Griffin only if it is manifestly intended to call attention to
27 the defendant's failure to testify, or is of such a character that the jury would naturally and
28 necessarily take it to be a comment on the failure to testify.” Hovey v. Ayers, 458 F.3d 892, 912
191

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1 (9th Cir. 2006).
2

Here, the state supreme court reasonably could find no Griffin error. The prosecutor’s

3 noted argument apparently related in the main to Petitioner’s changing story rather than his
4 request, honored by authorities, that the San Quentin interview be suspended pending
5 Petitioner’s discussion with his mother. (See Claim 14, herein; see also CT 106-107.) That
6 court reasonably could find the prosecutor’s comment only to indirectly refer to Petitioner’s
7 apparent temporary assertion of a right to remain silent, followed by Petitioner’s continuance of
8 the interview and ultimately his testimony at trial wherein he confessed to the capital crimes.
9

Notably, Petitioner concedes the prosecutor properly could comment upon any

10 inconsistency between the trial defense and Petitioner’s pretrial statements/lack thereof. (ECF
11 No. 210 at 159 citing Anderson v. Charles, 447 U.S. 404, 408-409 (1980); United States v.
12 Ochoa-Sanchez, 676 F.2d 1283, 1286 (9th Cir. 1982). Also, jurors were instructed on weighing
13 inconsistent evidence (CT 1374-1376) and presumably understood and followed their
14 instructions. Weeks, 528 U.S. at 234.
15

Additionally, the state supreme court reasonably could find any Griffin error only

16 harmless. See Chapman v. California, 386 U.S. 18, 22-26 (1967) (Griffin error is not structural
17 but, rather, is trial error subject to harmless error review). The state supreme court reasonably
18 could find the prosecutor’s comment did not have a “substantial and injurious effect or influence
19 in determining the jury's verdict[,]” for the reasons stated. See Brecht, 507 U.S. at 637-38.
20

(iv)

Notice of Felony Murder-Rape Theory

21

Petitioner argues the prosecutor committed misconduct by providing untimely notice that

22 the felony murder-rape theory applied to the Count 1 the killing of Radford. (ECF No. 107 at
23 278 citing RT 3219.) He points to Counsel’s statement on the record that:
24
25
26
27
28

Being lulled into the belief that rape would only apply to Barbara Levoy, I
haven’t concentrated at all or spent very little time concentrating on Robert
Radford as that murder being applicable to the felony murder rule other than the
kidnapping. The reason being is that the prosecutor at the preliminary hearing
stage never filed murder during the rape of Barbara Levoy as a special crime for
Robert Radford, on the count relative to Robert Radford, on the count relative to
Robert Radford [sic] for special circumstance. That’s never been a thought in my
mind that would be attempted to be applied by the prosecutor. It is only his last
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1
2

supplemental pleading that brought that forth. I have always concentrated on the
death of Barbara Levoy as showing that the felony murder rule was applicable or
inapplicable.”

3 (RT 3219.)
4

The record reflects that the 1982 criminal complaint and information and the 1984

5 amended information charged only premeditated murder (Penal Code § 187) as to Radford. (CT
6 131, 203, 983.) Notably, as discussed above in Claim 25, the application of the felony murder7 rape theory in issue was as to the first degree murder charge, not the special circumstance.
8

Here, the parties briefed and argued the application of the felony murder doctrine to

9 Petitioner’s admitted rape. (See CT 1261-1277.) The trial court ruled thereon at the start of the
10 guilt phase, finding that the murder of Radford was part of the rape of Levoy, and that the felony
11 murder rule was applicable. (See CT 1278-1279.)
12

The state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner failed to argue or demonstrate

13 on the state record that he was improperly charged or that Counsel was denied timely notice
14 thereof.

Particularly, Petitioner’s argument of untimely notice of the prosecution’s felony

15 murder-rape theory of murder as to Radford is unsupported by legal authority and ignores the
16 facts and circumstances of the crimes presented as early as the preliminary hearing. (See e.g.,
17 CT 152-176, 183-191.)
18

To the extent Petitioner argues the alleged conduct of the prosecution was deliberate and

19 egregious and part of a pattern of prosecutorial misconduct which was more than harmless error
20 (ECF No 107 at 282), the state supreme court reasonably could find the alleged error harmless
21 individually and cumulatively, for the reasons stated. (See Claims 25, 27); see also Brecht, 507
22 U.S. at 637-38. Significantly, Counsel was fully heard on the matter, stated his agreement with
23 the trial court’s position that felony murder-rape could apply to Radford (RT 3219), and
24 ultimately failed to point to facts in the state record suggesting the trial court erred legally or
25 factually in allowing the prosecution to apply this theory of murder to the Radford killing. (Id.;
26 see also Claim 25.)
27

(v)

Penalty Phase Closing Argument

28

Petitioner argues the prosecutor improperly argued at the penalty phase closing that “the
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1 jury could consider as aggravation certain evidence that was not so statutorily eligible and
2 encouraging the jury to review all the evidence for additional aggravating factors.” (ECF No.
3 107 at 280.) He points to the prosecutor’s argument that “[t]he lack of application of the factors
4 in mitigation, only extenuate the validity of the death penalty in this case” (ECF No. 107 at 281,
5 citing RT 7026), as improperly suggesting there was no limit evidence to be aggravating,
6 including that evidence of Petitioner’s character, mental state, and in-prison mental health
7 therapy (ECF No. 107 at 281-82 citing RT 7014-23). But the state supreme court reasonably
8 could find the jury was properly instructed on the weighing of aggravating and mitigating
9 circumstances (see Claim 20), and that the prosecutor’s noted argument went to the persuasive
10 weight of the evidence before the jury. Those instructions, considered in the context of all the
11 trial court’s instructions (see e.g., RT 7014-27), and did not preclude the jury from considering
12 any and all mitigating evidence. See Lockett, 438 U.S. at 605. For the same reasons,
13 Petitioner’s argument the alleged federal errors, individually and cumulatively, denied him a fair
14 trial and were harmful, reasonably could be denied. (See ECF No 107 at 282); see also Phillips,
15 455 U.S. at 221; Greer, 483 U.S. at 765.
16

Petitioner argues the prosecutor misled the jury into applying the more stringent sanity

17 phase standard during consideration of the evidence before the jury during the penalty
18 determination phase. (ECF No. 107 at 279-80; ECF No. 210 at 159-60 citing RT 7014-22.) He
19 suggests the prosecutor misstated the law by arguing that the sanity phase legal standard applied
20 to the penalty phase. (Id.) He suggests the prosecutor improperly argued that “certain mitigating
21 evidence [of impaired mental capacity to appreciate the criminality of his conduct or to conform
22 his conduct to the requirements of the law] could not be considered as (Penal Code § 190.3(h))
23 mental disturbance, disease, or defect[.]” (Id.) He suggests the prosecutor improperly argued
24 that the jury could consider as aggravation certain evidence that it was not statutorily permitted
25 to consider. (Id.) He suggests the prosecutor improperly discounted the mitigating value of
26 sanity phase evidence, and misstated the relevant law by suggesting necessity of a nexus between
27 the crime and the mitigating evidence. (Id.; see also Penry v. Lynaugh, 492 U.S. 302, 328
28 (1989), abrogated on other grounds by Atkins v. Virginia, 536 U.S. 304 (2002)).
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1
2
3
4

Particularly, Petitioner takes issue with prosecution argument that:
Whether or not the offense was committed while the defendant was under the
influence of extreme mental or emotional disturbance. I submit to you that there is
no evidence in this case to indicate that that was the case. There was evidence
geared in the sanity portion or insanity portion of the trial, but that I don’t think is
what we are dealing with. There is a separate category that covers that.

5
6 (RT 7014-15.) He takes issue with prosecution argument that:
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

Subsection [“h”] is whether or not the defendant — or whether or not at the time
of the offense the capacity of the defendant to appreciate the criminality of his
conduct or to conform that conduct to the requirements of the law was impaired as
a result of mental disease or defect or the effects of intoxication. Basically, that is
a review of the sanity phase in the case. I am not going to repeat the arguments
that I made there as to why I felt it was not appropriate. It wasn’t that long ago. I
am confident that you can remember those arguments. You were questioned
extensively in your selection concerning whether or not you could consider that
even though the defendant might be sane. The only thing I am going to say with
regard to that is I don’t think there is evidence to support it. There was an attempt
made to present evidence showing that. I think that evidence failed in that regard
for the reasons that I have stated earlier in my argument.

14
15 (RT 7016.) He takes issue with prosecution argument that:
16
17
18
19
20
21

[T]he other area that may be anticipated is the psychiatric defense, and included in
that is what was described as the defendant’s abusive childhood, mental health
problems, the other things disclosed again in the sanity phase. It was not that long
ago. It was argued extensively at that point. I indicated there why I felt it was not
valid, and rather than reiterate that argument, I would simply say the same thing,
the defendant undoubtedly has problems, those problems are in part mental or
personality or emotional, but there was nothing in the evidence to indicate that it
should be a basis or an excuse for these crimes. I submit that that same reasoning
applies as to the penalty case, that it is not a basis to find less than the death
penalty. The evidence simply did not come across as that persuasive.

22
23 (RT 7022.)
24

But here again, the state supreme court reasonably could find the jury was properly

25 instructed on the weighing of aggravating and mitigating circumstances (see Claims 9, 20,
26 herein), and that the prosecutor’s noted argument went to the persuasive weight of the evidence
27 before the jury, considered in the context of the trial court’s instructions (see Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th
28 at 983; see also RT 7014-27), and did not preclude the jury from considering any and all
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1 mitigating evidence. See Locket, 438 U.S. at 605. Particularly, that court reasonably could find
2 prosecution argument that sanity phase evidence was not sufficient to support (Penal Code §
3 190.3(h)) mitigating mental or emotional disturbance or defect, or (Penal Code § 190.3(k))
4 extenuating circumstance, was not improper given the factual record and the trial court’s noted
5 instructions. The apparent thrust of the prosecutor’s argument was that Petitioner’s mental state
6 proffer at trial “did not come across as that persuasive.” (RT 7022.) Relatedly, the prosecutor
7 reminded the jury that mental disease or defect could have mitigating value even though the
8 defendant might be sane. (RT 7016.)
9

For the same reasons, Petitioner’s argument the alleged federal errors, individually and

10 cumulatively, denied him a fair trial and were harmful, reasonably could be denied. (See ECF
11 No 107 at 282; See Phillips, 455 U.S. at 221; Greer, 483 U.S. at 765.
12

Petitioner argues the prosecutor improperly argued jurors should sympathize with “the

13 victims in this case[,]” that on the facts of the case, the death penalty was required in order to
14 provide justice for the absent victims who could no longer speak for themselves. (RT at 702515 27; see also ECF No. 210 at 161.) However, Counsel’s objection to this argument was sustained.
16 (RT 7026.) Moreover, the jury was properly instructed on the weighing of aggravating and
17 mitigating circumstances (see Claim 20, herein; see also CT 1651-1652 [i.e., CALJIC 8.84.1
18 stating the Penal Code § 190.3 factors]), including that: “[jurors] must not allow prejudice or
19 passion against [Petitioner] to influence [their] verdict as to the penalty imposed” (CT 1644).
20 The jurors were also instructed that the statements of counsel were not evidence. (CT 1646.)
21 The state supreme court reasonably could view such argument as proper in context of the factual
22 record, the jury instructions, and the state’s role in seeking a just punishment for crime. See e.g.,
23 Drayden, 232 F.3d at 713.
24

Significantly, the Supreme Court has noted that:

25
26
27
28

[A]rguments of counsel generally carry less weight with a jury than do
instructions from the court. The former are usually billed in advance to the jury as
matters of argument, not evidence ... and are likely viewed as the statements of
advocates; the latter, we have often recognized, are viewed as definitive and
binding statements of the law. Arguments of counsel which misstate the law are
subject to objection and to correction by the court. This is not to say that
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1
2

prosecutorial misrepresentations may never have a decisive effect on the jury, but
only that they are not to be judged as having the same force as an instruction from
the court. And the arguments of counsel, like the instructions of the court, must be
judged in the context in which they are made.

3
4 Boyde, 494 U.S. at 384-85.
5

Petitioner again argues that the conduct of the state in this case was deliberate and

6 egregious and part of a pattern of prosecutorial misconduct which so infected the integrity of the
7 proceeding against Petitioner that the error cannot be deemed harmless.” (ECF No 107 at 282.)
8 But even if the prosecutor did engage in improper argument as alleged, the state supreme court
9 reasonably could find only harmless trial error that individually and cumulatively did not deny
10 Petitioner a fair trial, for the reasons stated. (See ECF No. 107 at 282); Phillips, 455 U.S. at 221;
11 Greer, 483 U.S. at 765.
12

d.

Conclusions

13

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of Claim 12 as

14 prosecutorial misconduct was not contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly
15 established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable
16 determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28
17 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
18

Claim 12 allegations of prosecutorial misconduct shall be denied.

19

3.

20

Petitioner alleges the prosecutor engaged in misconduct by considering his race, class,

Claim 27

21 and gender in making the decision to charge capitally. (ECF No. 107 at 388-91.)
22

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

23

The California Supreme Court considered the Claim on direct appeal (Lod. Doc. 1 at 400-

24 01), and denied it the merits, as follows:
25
26
27
28

Defendant next raises several arguments that the state's death penalty law is
unconstitutional under the state and federal Constitutions. As outlined below, we
have addressed and rejected these claims in previous opinions, and defendant does
not convince us we should revisit those decisions. Thus, defendant claims various
of his constitutional rights were violated because the death penalty law, and the
jury instructions implementing that law:
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1
2

Granted prosecutors “unbounded” discretion in deciding when to seek the death
penalty. (People v. Kraft, supra, 23 Cal.4th at p. 1078; People v. Williams, supra,
16 Cal.4th at p. 278.)

3 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4 th at 991-92.
4

b.

Legal Standard

5

(i)

Prosecutorial Misconduct Generally

6

The standard for prosecutorial misconduct generally is set out in section VII, C, 1, b, (i),

7 herein.
8

(ii)

Prosecutorial Discretion

9

Prosecutorial discretion “is essential to the criminal justice process,” McCleskey v.

10 Kemp, 481 U.S. 279, 297 (1987), and does not violate the federal Constitution. The
11 Constitution forbids only “purposeful discrimination” in the exercise of that prosecutorial
12 discretion, id. at 292-93, and in order to prevail in that regard, the Supreme Court emphasized
13 that “we would demand exceptionally clear proof before we would infer that the discretion has
14 been abused[,]” id. at 297. It follows that the fact California's statutory scheme gives the
15 prosecutor discretion does not violate the United States Constitution. See 28 U.S.C. § 2254(a);
16 Gregg, 428 U.S. at 225.
17

“A defendant who alleges an equal protection violation has the burden of proving ‘the

18 existence of purposeful discrimination’[,]” and must demonstrate that the purposeful
19 discrimination “had a discriminatory effect” on him. McCleskey, 481 U.S. at 292 (quoting
20 Whitus v. Georgia, 385 U.S. 545, 550 (1967)). Therefore, to prevail on this claim, Petitioner
21 “must prove that the decisionmakers in his case acted with discriminatory purpose.” Id. It is not
22 enough that other defendants who may be similarly situated did not receive the death penalty.”
23 Id. at 306–07.
24

Prosecutorial charging decisions are “particularly ill-suited to judicial review.” Wayte v.

25 United States, 470 U.S. 598, 607 (1985).
26

c.

Analysis

27

Petitioner argues that the prosecutor based his charging decisions upon impermissible

28 factors including race, economic class, and gender. However, the state supreme court reasonably
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1 could deny the claim. As noted, the Supreme Court has held that local prosecutors have broad
2 charging discretion, provided purposeful discrimination is proscribed.
3

Petitioner argues only his conjecture in support of the alleged purposeful discrimination.

4 Significantly, he does not point to facts in the record that the prosecutor considered improper
5 charging factors and based thereon intentionally discriminated against Petitioner in the charging
6 decision. The state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner’s reliance upon empirical
7 studies, unrelated to the facts and circumstances of his case, not alone evidence otherwise. See
8 Cornwell, 2018 WL 934542 at *122 (empirical study factually insufficient to support prima facie
9 constitutional violation).
10

d.

Conclusions

11

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of the Claim was not

12 contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by
13 the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the
14 evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
15

Claim 27 shall be denied.

16

D.

Claims Alleging Juror Misconduct

17

1.

Claims 17, 18

18

Petitioner alleges jurors unconstitutionally and prejudicially failed to deliberate during

19 the sanity phase (Claim 17) and engaged in other misconduct in the sanity and penalty phases
20 (Claim 18), violating his rights under the Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments.23
21 (ECF No. 107 at 300-18.)
22

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

23

The Claim 17 allegations were presented to the California Supreme Court on direct

24 appeal (Lod. Doc. 1 at 311-15), and denied on the merits, as follows:
25
Defendant contends he was denied his right to due process, a fair trial, and to be
free of cruel and unusual punishment under the state and federal Constitutions by
the short duration of the jury's deliberations following the sanity phase of the trial.

26
27
23

Petitioner states that he incorporates the factual basis of Claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9 into Claim 17 (ECF No.

28 107 at 301), and the factual allegations of Claims 15 and 17 into Claim 18 (ECF No. 107 at 307).
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1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15

After presentation of numerous witnesses, expert and lay, over six weeks, raising
issues of insanity, mental illness, irresistible impulse, amphetamine abuse, PTSD
and child abuse, the jury returned a verdict finding defendant sane after only 42
minutes. Because the jury deliberated for so short a time, defendant claims, we
can and should infer the jury failed to fairly and seriously consider the evidence
before reaching a verdict, requiring we reverse both the sanity and penalty phase
judgments.
The trial court addressed this issue in denying the motion for a new trial. 25 The
court opined: “First of all, it has been contended that the trial took six weeks.
Well, in fact it did, spread out over about six weeks, but in my reviewing my trial
notes, there were 16 days of testimony, and some of those were partial days
because of the unavailability of witnesses at various times. Much of the testimony
that was given by some of the witnesses was, shall we say, foundational or
background material, really did not ... bear directly on the specific issue to be
decided by the jury, that is, whether or not the defendant was insane when he
committed the three offenses for which he was found guilty. And as pointed out
by both counsel, it is abundantly clear by the evidence, and indeed admitted by
both sides, that the defendant did in fact know right from wrong, or, that is,
appreciate the criminality of his conduct at the time it was committed, the first
prong of the test to be applied, the second prong being whether or not he could
conform his conduct to the law. It seems to me that first of all in 43 minutes the
jury did have time to discuss certain matters, 42 minutes, whatever it was.
Granted, that is not the most lengthy period of deliberation that the Court has
observed, but in light of the fact that all of the witnesses were testifying on
basically the same issue, and if the jury went into the jury room, and after
discussing what the issues were, determined there really was nothing further to
discuss because they were all in agreement, it seems to me that the verdict
reached in that length of time is a proper verdict [and it] must be sustained.”

16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28

--------------------FOOTNOTE-------------------n.25
Following this verdict, defendant moved for a new trial pursuant to Penal
Code section 1181, claiming the sanity verdict had been “decided by lot, or by
means other than a fair expression of opinion on the part of all the jurors.” The
motion was denied without prejudice and then later denied when counsel renewed
it. To the extent defendant contends there was evidence some of the jurors did not
take the sanity phase seriously after considering the guilt phase evidence, or
applied an incorrect standard of proof at the sanity phase, that evidence was not
properly placed before the trial court and was inadmissible in any event (Evid.
Code, § 1150), as even defendant seems to admit.
--------------------END FOOTNOTE-------------------We agree. As we explained in response to a similar claim that a jury arrived too
quickly at a guilty verdict, which the defendant contended indicated the jury
improperly considered the possibility of the death penalty at the guilt phase, “[i]t
appears much more likely ... the relatively short duration of the jury's
deliberations simply reflected the strength of the prosecution's case.” (People v.
Robertson (1982) 33 Cal.3d 21, 36 [188 Cal.Rptr. 77, 655 P.2d 279]; cf. People v.
Williams, supra, 16 Cal.4th at p. 229 [“Defendant's mere speculation that his jury
cut short its [guilt] deliberations out of prejudice [based solely on the fact that
they deliberated for less than two hours] does not establish 'good cause' ” to
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1
2

reopen voir dire prior to the penalty phase].) We find defendant was not denied
any state or federal constitutional rights by the jury's short sanity phase
deliberations.

3 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 973–74.
4

The Claim 17 and 18 allegations were presented to the California Supreme Court in

5 Petitioner’s second state habeas petition (Lod. Doc. 23 at 61-77), and summarily denied on the
6 merits, and in part on procedural grounds (Lod. Doc. 24).
7

b.

Legal Standard

8

(i)

Trial by a Fair and Impartial Jury

9

The standard for trial by a fair and impartial jury is set out in section VII, B, 2, b, (ii),

10 herein.
11

(ii)

Juror Misconduct

12

The introduction of prejudicial extraneous influences into the jury room constitutes

13 misconduct which may result in the reversal of a conviction. Parker v. Gladden, 385 U.S. 363,
14 364-65 (1966).
15

A jury’s consideration of extraneous evidence violates a criminal defendant’s right to trial

16 by jury. Turner v. State of Louisiana, 379 U.S. 466. 471-73 (1965).
17

When a defendant alleges improper contact between a juror and an outside party, the

18 court asks at step one whether the contact was “possibly prejudicial” Mattox v. U.S., 146 U.S.
19 140, 150 (1892), superseded by rule as stated in Pena-Rodriguez v. Colorado, 137 S.Ct. 885,
20 (2017)), that is “sufficiently improper to raise a credible risk affecting the outcome.” Godoy v.
21 Spearman, 861 F.3d 956, 967-68 (2017).

If so, the contact is “deemed presumptively

22 prejudicial” and the court moves to step two, where the “burden rests heavily upon the [state] to
23 establish” the contact was actually “harmless” Remmer v. U.S., 347 U.S. 227, 229 (1954), that
24 is whether “the sufficiently improper contact gives rise to a “credible risk” of affecting the
25 outcome of the case. Godoy, 861 F.3d at 967. If the state does not prove harmlessness, the court
26 sets aside the verdict.” Id. at 962. Factors for consideration include: the length and nature of the
27 contact, the identity and role at trial of the parties involved, evidence of actual impact on the
28 juror, and the possibility of eliminating prejudice through a limiting instruction. Id., (citing
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1 Caliendo v. Warden of Cal. Men’s Colony, 365 F.3d 691, 697–98 (9th Cir. 2004)).
2

(iii)

Harmless Error

3

On collateral review, juror misconduct claims “are generally subject to a ‘harmless error’

4 analysis, namely, whether the error had ‘substantial and injurious’ effect or influence in
5 determining the jury’s verdict.” Brecht, 507 U.S. at 638; Fields, 503 F.3d at 781 n.19 (noting
6 that Brecht provides the standard of review for harmless error in cases involving unconstitutional
7 juror misconduct); Jeffries, 5 F.3d at 1190 (a habeas petitioner must show that the alleged error
8 “had substantial and injurious effect or influence in determining the jury’s verdict.”).
9
10

c.

Analysis

Petitioner argues multiple instances during the sanity and penalty phases, where the jury

11 did not fairly and impartially deliberate on the law and evidence placed before it. (ECF No. 107
12 at 300-318 citing RT 4816, 4848-50, 4905, 4926, 4974, 5148, 5234, 5356-59, 5427, 5481, 5603,
13 5610, 5701-03, 5896, 6607-99; see also ECF No. 107 at 315-16, ECF No. 210 at 171, 181-82,
14 citing United States v. Gonzalez, 214 F.3d 1109, 1112 (9th Cir. 2000); Tinsley v. Borg, 895 F.2d
15 520, 527-29 (9th Cir. 1990).) He suggests this was because the jury prejudged the case. (ECF
16 No. 107 at 311 citing 2SHCP Ex. 17 at 324.) The instances of alleged misconduct are discussed
17 separately, below.
18

(i)

Failure to Meaningfully Deliberate at the Sanity Phase

19

Petitioner argues the complexity of the sanity phase evidence and law applicable thereto

20 “required a deliberative process lengthier than that in which the jury supposedly engaged.” (ECF
21 No. 107 at 306.) He points to evidence that following the approximately 6-week sanity trial
22 which included complex and sometimes contradictory testimony from no less than 19 experts
23 and numerous lay witnesses and closing arguments that consumed portions of two days (RT
24 6607-73), the jury “notified the court less than forty-five minutes after it entered the jury room it
25 had reached a verdict[.]” (ECF No. 107 at 302, 309 citing RT 6788, 6792; CT 1576-1578, 171226 1722; see also ECF No. 210 at 170-78.)
27

Petitioner points to the testimony of defense experts Harry Kormos, M.D., Jack Deloss

28 Shonkwiler, M.D., and John P. Wilson, Ph.D., who opined that Petitioner was legally insane at
202

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1 the time of the crimes as a result of Vietnam War-related PTSD, child abuse, and schizophrenia.
2 (ECF No. 107 at 302.) He observes the further testimony of Dr. Shonkwiler, that Petitioner’s
3 capacity then was diminished. (Id.)
4

Petitioner points to the habeas declaration of juror Emery Hubbard, who stated that:

5
6
7
8

The deliberations for each phase were really short, particularly for the sanity
phase. We had already made up our minds by the time we got into the
deliberations room. At the start of the sanity phase deliberations, all the jurors
marked their ballots right away. We were all in agreement already, so we just sat
and talked for an hour.

9 (2SHCP Ex. 17 at 324 [Bates].)
10

Petitioner points to the declaration of Second Counsel, who stated that jurors post-trial

11 comments suggested they made up their minds after the guilt phase, foreclosing meaningful
12 deliberations during the remainder of the trial. (CT 1714, 1722.)
13

The Court observes that due process requires a defendant be tried by “a jury capable and

14 willing to decide the case solely on the evidence before it.” Phillips, 455 U.S. at 217; see also
15 U.S. v. Plache, 913 F.2d 1375, 1377-78 (1990) (“It is well-settled that a single partial juror
16 deprives a defendant of his Sixth Amendment right to a trial by an impartial jury.”).
17

Here, the state supreme court reasonably could conclude the short duration of

18 deliberations was not alone a basis to find juror misconduct. Petitioner has not provided clearly
19 established federal authority otherwise. That court also reasonably could find the length of the
20 sanity phase deliberations was not disproportionate to the weight of the undiscounted sanity
21 phase evidence, for the reasons stated. (See Claim 12, herein, discussing the factual predicate in
22 the context of claimed trial court error.) Notably, prosecution psychiatrists Richard Burdick,
23 Francis Criswell, Paul Cutting, Francis Matychowiak, and then psychologist-in-training Mary
24 Cholet, all found Petitioner sane, presenting at most an anti-social personality. Of the sixteen
25 defense experts who testified during the sanity phase, psychiatrists Drs. Albert Raitt, Robert
26 Gardner, Alfre Owre, George Chappell, Theodore Donaldson, and Byron Wittlin, and
27 psychologists K. Edward Dietiker, Kathe Lundgren, and Clyde Donahoe had no opinion or a
28 merely equivocal opinion about Petitioner’s sanity or lack thereof at the time of the capital
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1 crimes. (See Claims 3, 4, 5, 8 herein; see also ECF No. 107 at 302-04.) Significantly, these
2 experts observed and considered Petitioner’s predisposition to the mental illness that ran in his
3 family, his amphetamine abuse, and his presentation with various personality or psychiatric
4 disorders including schizophrenia and PTSD with psychotic symptoms.
5

Relatedly, the state supreme court reasonably could find the habeas declaration of juror

6 Hubbard to be inadmissible evidence of the juror mental processes. See Tanner, 483 U.S. at 117;
7 see also Fed. R. Evid. 606(b) which provides that “[d]uring an inquiry into the validity of a
8 verdict or indictment, a juror may not testify about any statement made or incident that occurred
9 during the jury's deliberations; the effect of anything on that juror's or another juror's vote; or any
10 juror's mental processes concerning the verdict or indictment [and the] court may not receive a
11 juror's affidavit or evidence of a juror's statement on these matters [except that a] juror may
12 testify about whether (A) extraneous prejudicial information was improperly brought to the jury's
13 attention; (B) an outside influence was improperly brought to bear on any juror; or (C) a mistake
14 was made in entering the verdict on the verdict form.”
15

Finally, the state supreme court reasonably could find the noted declaration of Second

16 Counsel, proffered in support of her motion for a new sanity phase trial, even if admissible, not
17 to be evidence of any actual statements by jurors, but rather Second Counsel’s thinly supported
18 characterization of their statements. (CT 1722.)
19

(ii)

Inattentiveness; Failure to Follow Instructions; Consideration of Specialized

20 Knowledge
21

(A)

Sanity Phase

22

Petitioner argues that some jurors were inattentive to evidence and instructions during the

23 sanity phase, failed to follow instructions, and failed to deliberate only on the sanity phase
24 evidence.
25

Petitioner points to Second Counsel’s courtroom observation that certain jurors were

26 “constructively absent” by sleeping during testimony of defense expert Dr. Dietiker (ECF No.
27 107 at 311 citing RT 5422-23; ECF No. 210 at 311 citing RT 5387-5421); and that certain jurors
28 were not paying attention during the sanity phase instructions (ECF No. 107 at 309, 313-15,
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1 citing RT 6800-01, 6929, 2SHCP Ex. 18 at 325; see also ECF No. 210 at 308).
2

Petitioner points to juror Hubbard’s habeas declaration, that the jury prejudged their

3 sanity verdict based upon improper consideration of evidence presented during the guilt phase.
4 (ECF No. 107 at 311; ECF No. 210 at 308; see also CT 1711-22; RT 7070-92; 2SHCP Ex. 17 at
5 324 [Bates], Ex. 18 at 325 [Bates].)
6

Petitioner points to other habeas proffered juror declarations that the jury drew upon their

7 own specialized knowledge during sanity phase deliberations. For example, he argues that:
8 jurors who were combat veterans considered and shared their own “expertise” in deliberating on
9 Petitioner’s Vietnam PTSD defense. (ECF No. 107 at 315-16 citing 2SHCP Ex. 18 at 325
10 [Bates]; ECF No. 210 at 176.) He suggests that juror Laura Wilkerson must have prejudged
11 Petitioner’s sanity because her education as a nurse included several months of studying
12 psychology. (See ECF No. 107 at 315 n.15; see also Claim 6, 16, herein.)
13

However, the state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner failed to demonstrate

14 clearly established legal authority and admissible evidence in the state record sufficiently
15 supporting the allegations. As to alleged juror inattention during the sanity phase instructions,
16 the state supreme court reasonably could note Petitioner’s failure to point to federal authority that
17 counsel’s isolated observation of apparent juror inattentiveness, of unspecified duration, during
18 jury instructions alone establishes juror misconduct and constitutional harm under Brecht. (See
19 Lod. Doc. No. 23 at 70; RT 6801); see also Warger v. Shauers, 574 U.S. 40, 50-52 (2014)
20 (citing Tanner, 483 U.S. at 126; Federal Rule of Evidence 606(b)) (precluding a criminal
21 defendant from introducing evidence that multiple jurors had been intoxicated during trial).
22 Moreover, that court reasonably could find Counsel’s statement that certain jurors were sleeping
23 and inattentive was otherwise unsupported in the factual record and alone unpersuasive of the
24 issue, for the reasons stated.
25

As to Petitioner’s allegation of jurors sleeping during trial, the state supreme court

26 reasonably could find Petitioner failed to demonstrate clearly established federal authority that a
27 juror sleeping during a portion of trial denies a fundamentally fair trial or establishes juror
28 incompetence. See Tanner, 483 U.S. at 125-27 (“[t]he presence of a sleeping juror during trial
205

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1 does not, per se, deprive a defendant of a fair trial by an impartial jury.”). Nor has he shown on
2 the factual record in this case that a sleeping juror missed an essential portion of the sanity trial
3 and could not fairly consider the sanity phase evidence. See Barrett, 703 F.2d at 1083 n.13 (new
4 trial on grounds of sleeping juror may not be required if the court determines the juror “did not
5 miss essential portions of the trial and was able fairly to consider the evidence”); Springfield,
6 829 F.2d at 864 (denying sleeping juror claim where trial court had found that juror missed only
7 “insubstantial” portions of the trial). The record reflects that when counsel raised the sleeping
8 juror issue at sidebar, Dr. Dietiker was testifying about scoring Petitioner’s responses to
9 Rorschach cards, data merely underlying Dr. Dietiker’s subsequent testimony concluding
10 Petitioner was insane at the time of the crimes. (See RT 5386-5430.) Moreover, the next
11 morning when the jurors were presumably fresh, Dr. Dietiker’s summed up his testimony and
12 conclusions from the day before, and diagnosed Petitioner with paranoid schizophrenia and low
13 impulse control. (RT 5425-30.)
14

As to Petitioner’s allegation that jurors improperly considered their own personal

15 knowledge, absent consideration of extrinsic evidence, a juror’s personal knowledge and
16 experience comes into the jury room with them and is properly a part of the deliberations. See
17 Ybarra v. Hedgpeth, No. 1:10-CV-571 AWI DLB, 2011 WL 2173706 at *10 (E.D. Cal. June 2,
18 2011) (jurors bring to their deliberations knowledge and beliefs about general matters of law and
19 fact that find their source in everyday life and experience).
20

Moreover, evidence that personal knowledge and experience was brought to bear during

21 deliberations is inadmissible because it is part of the jury’s deliberative process. Tanner, 483
22 U.S. at 117; see also Fed. R. Evid. 606(b); Grotemeyer v. Hickman, 393 F.3d 871, 877 (9th Cir.
23 2004) (no improper extrinsic evidence found were juror who was medical doctor shared his
24 opinion of defendant’s mental condition); cf. United States v. Navarro-Garcia, 926 F.2d 818,
25 821-22 (9th Cir. 1991) (improper extrinsic evidence found where juror shared personal
26 experiences and had personal knowledge of the parties or the issues in the case). Especially so
27 here, as the noted record reflects the jurors alleged to have specialized knowledge were fully voir
28 dired and neither the trial court nor Counsel raised the alleged personal knowledge at issue. (See
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1 Claims 6, 16.)
2

Additionally, the record reflects the sanity phase jury was instructed : to consider only the

3 evidence received during the sanity phase and not from any other source, not to be swayed by
4 mere sentiment or passion, and to consider the sanity phase evidence and discuss it and the
5 instructions only with the other jurors during deliberations. (CT 1584-85, 1593, 1613; see also
6 ECF No. 107 at 308-10.) The jury was repeatedly admonished in these regards. (See e.g., RT
7 3057, 3278-79, 6774-87.) Jurors are presumed to understand and follow their instructions.
8 Weeks, 528 U.S. at 234.
9
10

(B)

Penalty Phase

Petitioner argues that at least one juror prejudged the petitioner’s penalty well in advance

11 of the close of the penalty phase (ECF No. 210 at 176-77), contrary to trial court’s admonition
12 and instruction (id. citing RT 7056, 7062; see also 2SHCP Ex. 18 at 325 [Bates]). He points to
13 the habeas declaration of juror Michael Smith, that “[t]he penalty phase was not long, but I had
14 already made up my mind before going into deliberations that I was going to vote for the death
15 penalty.” (2SHCP Ex. 18 at 325 [Bates]; see also ECF No. 107 at 316-17.)
16

Petitioner points to evidence that jurors, contrary to their instructions (RT 7051-52),

17 considered extraneous facts regarding the possibility of being a hung jury (ECF No. 107 at 31618 18). He again points to the habeas declaration of juror Smith, that:
19
20
21
22

The initial discussion broke down along gender lines, with some of the female
jurors having issues with giving Ward Weaver the death penalty. One juror in
particular, and older woman, was holding out and clearly was not comfortable
giving Ward Weaver the death penalty. We then discussed our concern that if we
didn’t reach a unanimous decision, everything we had gone through for the past
several months would have been wasted.

23
24 (2SHCP Ex. 18 at 325 [Bates].)
25

However, the state supreme court reasonably could find juror habeas statements

26 inadmissible evidence of jury deliberations. See Tanner, 483 U.S. at 117; see also Fed. R. Evid.
27 606(b). Again, Petitioner fails to proffer authority otherwise.
28

Even if the statements were admissible, the state supreme court reasonably could find that
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1 Petitioner offered only supposition and surmise that the jury necessarily failed to deliberate on
2 the evidence as instructed. Weeks, 528 U.S. at 234.
3

For the reasons stated and contrary to Petitioner’s suggestion, he is not entitled to de novo

4 review and development of these allegations of juror misconduct, adjudicated on the merits
5 against him in state court, on grounds of insufficient factual development in state court. (See
6 ECF No. 210 at 179-80; Pinholster, 63 U.S. at 181, 185; cf. Winston v. Kelly (Winston I), 592
7 F.3d 535, 555-56 (4th Cir. 2010) (judgment on a materially incomplete record is not an
8 adjudication on the merits for purposes of § 2254(d).).
9
10

(iii)

Harmless Error

Petitioner argues he was presumptively and actually prejudiced by his jury’s noted

11 misconduct, and denied a fundamentally fair trial. (ECF No. 107 at 313; ECF No. 210 at 170,
12 178.) He argues that “[b]y failing to pay attention during the court’s reading of the [sanity
13 phase] instructions, the jurors were unable to know the law as explained to them by the court and
14 therefore could not follow that law[,]” resulting in an unfair trial. (ECF No. 107 at 313.) He
15 argues “[t]he jury’s unwillingness to engage in any deliberative process by failing to exercise its
16 duty to deliberate resulted in a constitutionally impermissible finding that Petitioner was sane
17 and in a death verdict that was arbitrary, capricious, and unreliable.” (ECF No. 107 at 301.)
18

However, the state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner has not demonstrated

19 extrinsic influence or more than harmless error, and that he was not denied a fundamentally fair
20 trial. That court reasonably could find Petitioner has not demonstrated on the factual record that
21 jurors missed critical portions of the proceedings, failed to deliberate on the law and facts, or
22 considered extraneous contact or evidence, for the reasons stated.
23

d.

Conclusions

24

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of these Claims as juror

25 misconduct was not contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal
26 law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable determination of the facts
27 in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
28

Claims 17 and 18 allegations of juror misconduct shall be denied.
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1
2

E.

Claims Alleging Ineffective Assistance of Trial Counsel

3

1.

Claim 4

4

Petitioner alleges that Counsel was ineffective, prior to and during trial, by failing to

5 investigate and declare a doubt as to, and seek a hearing and re-determination of his competence
6 to stand trial and waive rights thereat, violating his rights under the Fourth, Sixth, Eighth, and
7 Fourteenth Amendments.24 (ECF. No. 107 at 61-64; ECF No. 210 at 62-83.)
8

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

9

The Claim, to the extent it alleges Counsel was ineffective at the 1982 arraignment by

10 submitting the competency determination solely on the psychiatric reports of Drs. Cutting and
11 Criswell, was presented to the California Supreme Court on direct appeal and denied on the
12 merits, as follows:
13
On September 29, 1982, before defendant was arraigned, his defense counsel
expressed a doubt as to defendant's present competence. The trial court agreed
and appointed two psychiatrists, Dr. Paul Cutting and Dr. Francis Criswell, to
examine defendant. The proceedings were suspended until the two doctors could
examine defendant and file their reports with the court. On October 27, 1982, the
court was in possession of the reports of both doctors. Both found defendant was
legally competent. Defense counsel and the prosecutor submitted the question of
defendant's competence on these two psychiatric reports, and the trial court found
defendant competent. The proceedings then resumed.

14
15
16
17
18

25

Defendant contends the failure to hold a full-blown adversarial hearing on the
question of his competence deprived him of due process and requires that we
vacate his convictions. Essentially, defendant claims counsel could not waive a
full jury trial with live witnesses. We rejected this precise claim in People v.
McPeters (1992) 2 Cal.4th 1148, 1169 [9 Cal.Rptr.2d 834, 832 P.2d 146]:
“Section 1368 entitles defendant to a 'hearing' on the issue of competence and he
received one. Although defendant's counsel, for understandable reasons, elected
to waive certain available incidents of the hearing procedure, i.e., the right to jury
trial and the rights to present oral testimony and to confront and cross-examine
witnesses, defendant presented evidence and received an independent judicial
determination of his competence to stand trial based on the stipulated record.
[Citation.] [¶] Defendant cites no authority holding that submission to the court of
the issue of competence to stand trial based on psychiatric reports is per se
unconstitutional or a violation of statute.”

26

Of course, trial of an incompetent defendant violates an accused's right to due

19
20
21
22
23
24

27
28

24

Petitioner states that he incorporates the factual allegations set out in Claims 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 11. (ECF No.
107 at 62.)

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4
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6
7
8
9
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13
14

process. (Medina v. California (1992) 505 U.S. 437, 448 [112 S.Ct. 2572, 25782579, 120 L.Ed.2d 353]; Pate v. Robinson (1966) 383 U.S. 375, 378 [86 S.Ct.
836, 838, 15 L.Ed.2d 815]; People v. Hale (1988) 44 Cal.3d 531, 539 [244
Cal.Rptr. 114, 749 P.2d 769]; People v. Pennington (1967) 66 Cal.2d 508 [58
Cal.Rptr. 374, 426 P.2d 942].) But contrary to defendant's arguments, neither
Hale nor any of our other precedents precludes a defense attorney from waiving a
jury, forgoing the right to present live witnesses, and submitting the competency
determination on the psychiatric reports filed with the court. The statutory
references to a “hearing” (§ 1368, subd. (b)) or a “trial” (§ 1369) simply mean
that a determination of competency must be made by the court (or a jury if one is
not waived), not, as defendant contends, that there must be “a court or jury trial, at
which the criminal defendant's rights of confrontation, cross examination,
compulsory process and to present evidence are honored by the court and
counsel.” Unlike in People v. Marks (1988) 45 Cal.3d 1335, 1343 [248 Cal.Rptr.
874, 756 P.2d 260], defense counsel did not attempt to waive the competency
issue; he merely submitted the matter on the psychiatric reports.
To the extent defendant attempts to impugn the validity of the appointed experts'
conclusions on grounds they failed to consider the effect of defendant's
medication on his competency, the time to raise such a challenge has long since
passed. Having submitted the competency determination on the two psychiatric
reports, defendant may not now relitigate that question with arguments he did not
make below. We also reject the further claim that defense counsel was
constitutionally ineffective under the state and federal Constitutions for waiving a
jury trial and submitting the matter on the reports. We have examined the reports
and conclude counsel's decision against challenging the conclusions therein was a
reasonable one.2

15

--------------------FOOTNOTE--------------------

16

n.2 To the extent defendant contends that evidence of his mental condition,
adduced at the time of the sanity phase of the trial, supports the conclusion he was
incompetent at the time of arraignment, we note the sanity phase occurred years
after the October 1982 competency hearing, and the record does not indicate that
the evidence produced at the sanity hearing was available earlier.

17
18
19
20
21

--------------------END FOOTNOTE--------------------

27

Defendant cites two appellate opinions in support, but neither assists him. To the
extent defendant contends Moore v. United States (9th Cir. 1972) 464 F.2d 663,
666, indicates the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals applies a per se reversal rule to
a competency determination submitted on medical reports rather than pursuant to
a full-blown jury trial, we agree with respondent that defendant misconstrues the
federal appellate court's position on this issue. (Greenfield v. Gunn (9th Cir. 1977)
556 F.2d 935, 939 [submission of competency question on doctor's reports
permissible].) Finally, People v. Ramirez (1979) 25 Cal.3d 260 [158 Cal.Rptr.
316, 599 P.2d 622], also cited in support, is manifestly distinguishable; Ramirez
concerned the procedural due process that must be afforded before an inmate can
be excluded from the California Rehabilitation Center. Ramirez sheds no light on
whether a defense attorney validly may waive the trial authorized by section 1369
and submit the competency determination on the psychiatric reports.

28

In sum, we have already decided a defense attorney may validly submit a

22
23
24
25
26

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2
3

competency determination on the available psychiatric reports (People v.
McPeters, supra, 2 Cal.4th at p. 1169), and defendant fails to persuade us
McPeters was decided incorrectly. We thus reject this claim, finding no error
under section 1368, no violation of either the state or federal Constitution, and no
showing counsel was constitutionally ineffective for deciding to submit the
competency determination on the psychiatric reports.

4
Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 903–05.
5
The Claim, to the extent it alleges Counsel was ineffective by opposing a renewed
6
competency hearing at the sanity phase, was presented to the California Supreme Court on direct
7
appeal and denied on the merits, as follows:
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28

During presentation of the defense case at the sanity phase, Dr. Alfred Owre, Jr., a
psychiatrist, testified that he had examined defendant briefly in 1977 in prison to
determine defendant's parole suitability and had observed no evidence of
schizophrenia at that time. Dr. Owre then testified that seeing defendant across the
courtroom, it appeared defendant was out of touch with reality, that he was
suffering from chronic undifferentiated schizophrenia, and that he appeared to be
hallucinating. Defendant claims the trial court, after hearing this testimony,
should have halted the sanity hearing and initiated competency proceedings. The
court's failure to do so, defendant argues, violated several of his rights guaranteed
by the federal Constitution. In addition, defendant contends his defense counsel's
opposition to a competency hearing constituted ineffective assistance under the
state and federal Constitutions. We disagree.
The law in this area is settled. As noted, ante, trial of an incompetent criminal
defendant violates his or her right to due process. (Medina v. California, supra,
505 U.S. at p. 448 [112 S.Ct. at pp. 2578-2579]; People v. Hale, supra, 44 Cal.3d
at p. 539.) Section 1367, subdivision (a) states that a “defendant is mentally
incompetent ... if, as a result of mental disorder or developmental disability, [he]
is unable to understand the nature of the criminal proceedings or to assist counsel
in the conduct of a defense in a rational manner.” “ 'When the accused presents
substantial evidence of incompetence, due process requires that the trial court
conduct a full competency hearing. [Citation.] Evidence is ”substantial“ if it raises
a reasonable doubt about the defendant's competence to stand trial.' ” (People v.
Danielson (1992) 3 Cal.4th 691, 726 [13 Cal.Rptr.2d 1, 838 P.2d 729].) “The trial
judge's ruling regarding whether a competency hearing is required should be
given great deference. 'An appellate court is in no position to appraise a
defendant's conduct in the trial court as indicating insanity, a calculated attempt to
feign insanity and delay the proceedings, or sheer temper.' ” (Id. at p. 727, quoting
People v. Merkouris (1959) 52 Cal.2d 672, 679 [344 P.2d 1].)
The evidence in this case of defendant's alleged incompetence falls far short of
being substantial. Dr. Owre admitted his statements indicating his present belief
defendant was incompetent came from his observations of defend ant's in-court
demeanor and not from any actual examination or testing of defendant. Dr. Owre
also admitted he had not seen defendant in the hallway before the court session,
smoking and conversing with his defense counsel, or seen defendant previously
testifying for more than a day, coherently and responsively answering questions.
The trial court concluded it had no doubt as to defendant's competency, stating: “I
just quite frankly don't believe that a doctor can from the witness stand, when he
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5
6
7
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12

is not examining a patient or not even observing a person except secondarily to
his testimony, can render an opinion like that on the witnesses stand....” Defense
counsel seemed to agree, noting for the court that defendant had been examined
by two psychiatrists and found competent.
On this record, we find the trial court's conclusion that Dr. Owre's testimony was
not substantial evidence establishing a doubt of defendant's competence is entitled
to deference on appeal. (See People v. Rodrigues, supra, 8 Cal.4th at p. 1111 [it
was significant the expert witness had not actually examined the defendant].)
Moreover, defendant fails to mention an important fact critically undermining his
claim: the trial court had already declared a doubt as to defendant's competence at
the time of the arraignment, had suspended proceedings, and had defendant
examined by two psychiatrists. The parties submitted the matter, and the trial
court found defendant legally competent. “Once a defendant has been found
competent to stand trial, a second competency hearing is required only if the
evidence discloses a substantial change of circumstances or new evidence is
presented casting serious doubt on the validity of the prior finding of the
defendant's competence. [Citations.]” (People v. Medina (1995) 11 Cal.4th 694,
734 [47 Cal.Rptr.2d 165, 906 P.2d 2].) Dr. Owre's brief observation regarding
defendant's competence does not address whether there had been a substantial
change in circumstances. Accordingly, we agree with the trial court that Dr.
Owre's testimony did not raise a reasonable doubt as to defendant's competence,
and his testimony thus did not comprise substantial evidence of incompetence
necessitating a hearing.

13 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 952–54.
14

The Claim, to the extent it alleges Counsel was ineffective by failing to object to or

15 otherwise exclude testimony from Drs. Cutting and Criswell opining on both competency and
16 sanity, was presented to the California Supreme Court on direct appeal and denied on the merits,
17 as follows:
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28

Defendant contends the appointment of the same two psychiatrists to examine
him to determine his competency to stand trial and, at the same time, to determine
his sanity violated his federal constitutional right to a fair trial, to be free of
compelled self-incrimination, and to a reliable penalty verdict. He also contends
defense counsel's failure to object to (or otherwise attempt to exclude) testimony
from these psychiatrists was constitutionally ineffective representation under both
the state and federal Constitutions
[…]
In Tarantino v. Superior Court (1975) 48 Cal.App.3d 465 [122 Cal.Rptr. 61], the
Court of Appeal concluded a psychiatrist appointed to examine a defendant for
competency could not testify later on the question of the defendant's sanity. The
court reasoned that because a defendant may not invoke his right against
compelled self-incrimination in an examination for competency, “neither the
statements of [the defendant] to the psychiatrists appointed under section 1369
nor the fruits of such statements may be used in trial of the issue of [the
defendant's] guilt, under either the plea of not guilty or that of not guilty by reason
of insanity.” (Id. at p. 470.) Such judicially declared immunity was “reasonably to
be implied from the code provisions. The purpose of [an] inquiry [into
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2
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5

competency] is not to determine guilt or innocence. It has no relation to the plea
of not guilty by reason of insanity. Rather, the sole purpose ... is the humanitarian
desire to assure that one who is mentally unable to defend himself not be tried
upon a criminal charge. This purpose is entirely unrelated to any element of guilt,
and there is no indication of any legislative intent that any result of this inquiry
into a wholly collateral matter be used in determining the issue of guilt.... Both
humanitarian and practical considerations call for a judicially declared immunity.”
(Id. at p. 469.)

7

We cited Tarantino v. Superior Court, supra, 48 Cal.App.3d 465, with approval
in Daly v. Superior Court (1977) 19 Cal.3d 132, 146 [137 Cal.Rptr. 14, 560 P.2d
1193], and then formally adopted its judicially declared rule of immunity in
People v. Arcega (1982) 32 Cal.3d 504 [186 Cal.Rptr. 94, 651 P.2d 338]
(Arcega).19

8

-------------------------FOOTNOTE--------------------

9

n.19 Coincidentally, Arcega was filed one day after the hearing in this case in
which the trial court declared a doubt as to defendant's competence and appointed
Drs. Cutting and Criswell in an improper dual capacity.

6

10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21

--------------------END FOOTNOTE-------------------[…] Our decision in Arcega also described the federal constitutional dimension
to the rule prohibiting a psychiatrist from testifying to statements made in a
custodial mental competency examination. “Not only was the admission of the
testimony of [the examining psychiatrist] a violation of state law, but as a recent
United States Supreme Court decision establishes, it violated the federal
Constitution as well. (Estelle v. Smith [(1981)] 451 U.S. 454 [101 S.Ct. 1866, 68
L.Ed.2d 359].) In that case, the high court ruled that the Fifth Amendment
privilege against self-incrimination is generally applicable to custodial mental
competency examinations, and specifically discussed the provision of immunity
for statements made during such examinations. (Estelle v. Smith, supra, 451 U.S.
at pp. 466-469 [68 L.Ed.2d at pp. 371-373].) The court ruled that a state may not
introduce at the penalty phase of a capital case, evidence of statements made by
an accused at a custodial mental competency examination unless the accused has
been informed of and has waived his Miranda20 rights. In the absence of a valid
waiver, the statements could only be used at the hearing on competency.”
(Arcega, supra, 32 Cal.3d at p. 523, fns. omitted.)

22
23
24
25
26
27
28

-------------------------FOOTNOTE-------------------n.20 Miranda, supra, 384 U.S. 436.
--------------------END FOOTNOTE-------------------It is thus clear that the testimony of Dr. Cutting and Dr. Criswell was not
admissible at the sanity phase of trial because defendant was not permitted to
invoke his constitutional right against compelled self-incrimination before he
spoke to the doctors. But because defense counsel did not object on this ground, 21
the question of the admissibility at the sanity phase of the two psychiatrists'
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testimony was not properly preserved for appeal. (People v. Collie (1981) 30
Cal.3d 43, 49 [177 Cal.Rptr. 458, 634 P.2d 534, 23 A.L.R.4th 776] [failure to
object waived evidentiary claim based on right against self-incrimination]; Evid.
Code, § 353.) Nevertheless, defendant's fallback position that his defense counsel
was constitutionally ineffective for failing to object requires that we grapple with
the issue. As we explain, the erroneous admission of the psychiatric testimony
does not require reversal.

5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
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15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
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27
28

-------------------------FOOTNOTE-------------------n.21 Indeed, the record shows Mr. Huffman affirmatively asked that the
psychiatrists appointed to examine defendant for competency also evaluate him
for sanity.
--------------------END FOOTNOTE-------------------As noted, ante, the question whether counsel is constitutionally ineffective
comprises two inquiries: (1) Was counsel's performance deficient? and (2) was
there prejudice? (Strickland v. Washington, supra, 466 U.S. at p. 687 [104 S.Ct. at
p. 2064]; People v. Jennings, supra, 53 Cal.3d at p. 357.) We explained in People
v. Kirkpatrick (1994) 7 Cal.4th 988, 1008 [30 Cal.Rptr.2d 818, 874 P.2d 248],
however, that “[i]f a defendant has failed to show that the challenged actions of
counsel were prejudicial, a reviewing court may reject the claim on that ground
without determining whether counsel's performance was deficient.”
That rule is applicable here, for defendant fails to demonstrate prejudice.
Numerous expert witnesses testified at the sanity phase of trial and several of
them (other than Dr. Cutting and Dr. Criswell) expressed the opinion that
defendant was not insane or did not suffer from a mental disease or defect.
Neither Dr. Cutting nor Dr. Criswell learned information from defendant during
their competency examinations that was not available to the other expert
witnesses in their respective examinations of defendant. Although defendant
argues “it is easy to see how [the] corroborating testimony [of Drs. Cutting and
Criswell] tipped the scales and hurt [defendant] irreparably” at the sanity phase,
the scales were not closely balanced, as evidenced by the fact the jury took less
than one hour to find defendant had failed to carry his burden of demonstrating he
was insane at the time of the crimes. The further revelation from Dr. Criswell that
defendant posed a danger in the future was no doubt unsurprising to the jury given
the facts of the case and was not the “highly inflammatory” information defendant
claims it to be.
Moreover, the testimony of Drs. Cutting and Criswell was not uniformly negative.
Although Dr. Cutting concluded defendant was not insane, he testified defendant
suffered from a schizoid personality disorder and that defendant probably did
experience hearing voices in his head. Dr. Criswell testified defendant endured an
“extremely pathological family,” which could have formed the basis of his
developing a mental condition as an adult.
We thus conclude that while permitting Dr. Cutting and Dr. Criswell to testify at
the sanity phase was error, the error was not preserved for appeal, nor was counsel
constitutionally ineffective for failing to object. (See People v. Williams, supra,
44 Cal.3d at p. 934 [finding the same error harmless]; Williams v. Vasquez (E.D.
Cal. 1993) 817 F. Supp. 1443, 1466 [same].)
214

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1
2
3
4

[…]
Finally, to the extent defendant contends the erroneous dual appointment and
testimony of Drs. Cutting and Criswell deprived him of a fair and reliable penalty
phase verdict, we reject that claim as well because it is not reasonably possible
that, in the absence of the jury's consideration of their testimony at the penalty
phase, the jury would have reached a different verdict. (People v. Brown (1988)
46 Cal.3d 432, 448 [250 Cal.Rptr. 604, 758 P.2d 1135].)

5
Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 957, 959-63.
6
7

The Claim in its entirety was presented to the California Supreme Court in Petitioner’s

8 first state habeas petition (Lod. Doc. 7 at 407-21), and summarily denied on the merits (Lod.
9 Doc. 8).
10

b.

Legal Standard

11

(i)

Competency to Stand Trial

12

The standard for trial competency is set out in section VII, A, 1, b, (i), herein.

13

(ii)

14

The Sixth Amendment right to effective assistance of counsel, applicable to the states

Ineffective Assistance of Counsel

15 through the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, applies through the sentencing
16 phase of a trial. U.S. Const. amend. VI; U.S. Const. amend. XIV, § 1; Gideon v. Wainwright,
17 372 U.S. 335, 343-45 (1963); see also Silva v. Woodford, 279 F.3d 825, 836 (9th Cir. 2002).
18

The Supreme Court explained the legal standard for assessing a claim of ineffective

19 assistance of counsel in Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 685-87 (1984). Strickland
20 propounded a two-prong test for analysis of claims of ineffective assistance of counsel. The first
21 prong focuses upon whether counsel performed deficiently.

The petitioner must show that

22 counsel’s performance was deficient, requiring a showing that counsel made errors so serious
23 that he or she was not functioning as the “counsel” guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment.
24 Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687. The petitioner must show that “counsel’s representation fell below
25 an objective standard of reasonableness,” and must identify counsel’s alleged acts or omissions
26 that were not the result of reasonable professional judgment considering the circumstances.
27 Richter, 562 U.S. at 104 (citing Strickland, 466 U.S. at 688); see also United States v. Quintero28 Barraza, 78 F.3d 1344, 1348 (9th Cir. 1995).
215

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1

Petitioner must show that counsel’s errors were so egregious as to deprive him of a fair

2 trial, one whose result is reliable. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 688. Judicial scrutiny of counsel’s
3 performance is highly deferential, and the habeas court must guard against the temptation “to
4 second-guess counsel’s assistance after conviction or adverse sentence.” Id. at 689.
5

The Supreme Court “[has] declined to articulate specific guidelines for appropriate

6 attorney conduct and instead ha[s] emphasized that [t]he proper measure of attorney performance
7 remains simply reasonableness under prevailing professional norms.” Wiggins v. Smith, 539
8 U.S. 510, 521 (2003) (quoting Strickland, 466 U.S. at 688).
9

A court indulges a “strong presumption that counsel’s representation was within the

10 ‘wide range’ of reasonable professional assistance.”

Richter, 562 U.S. at 104 (quoting

11 Strickland, 466 U.S. at 687); see also Sanders v. Ratelle, 21 F.3d 1446, 1456 (9th Cir. 1994).
12 This presumption of reasonableness means that not only do we “give the attorneys the benefit of
13 the doubt,” we must also “affirmatively entertain the range of possible reasons counsel may have
14 had for proceeding as they did.” Pinholster, 563 U.S. at 196.
15

The second prong focuses upon whether the petitioner suffered prejudice from counsel’s

16 deficient performance. The petitioner must show that “there is a reasonable probability that, but
17 for counsel’s unprofessional errors, the result . . . would have been different.” Strickland, 466
18 U.S. at 694. “It is not enough to show that the errors had some conceivable effect on the
19 outcome of the proceeding.” Richter, 562 U.S. at 104 (quoting Strickland, 466 U.S. at 693). The
20 prejudice prong “looks to the weight of the available evidence and its effect on the case.”
21 Andrews v. Davis, 944 F.3d 1092, 1116 (9th Cir. 2019) (en banc) (citing Strickland, 466 U.S. at
22 693–95).
23

A reasonable probability is a probability sufficient to undermine confidence in the

24 outcome. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694. To make this assessment, the court “compare[s] the
25 evidence that actually was presented to the jury with the evidence that might have been presented
26 had counsel acted differently.” Clark, 769 F.3d at 728 (quoting Murtishaw v. Woodford, 255
27 F.3d 926, 940 (9th Cir. 2001)); accord Hernandez v. Chappell, 923 F.3d 544, 551 (9th Cir.
28 2019).
216

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1

That is, only when “the likelihood of a different result [is] substantial, not just

2 conceivable,” has the petitioner met Strickland’s demand that defense errors were so serious as
3 to deprive [him] of a fair trial. Richter, 562 U.S. at 104 (quoting Strickland, 466 U.S. at 693).
4

A court need not determine whether counsel’s performance was deficient before

5 examining the prejudice suffered by the petitioner because of the alleged deficiencies.
6 Strickland, 466 U.S. at 697.

Since the petitioner must affirmatively prove prejudice, any

7 deficiency that does not result in prejudice must necessarily fail.
8

c.

Analysis

9

Petitioner argues Counsel ineffectively failed to investigate and develop his trial

10 incompetency, declare a doubt as to competence, request a competency hearing, and seek a re11 determination of competency to stand trial. These arguments are discussed separately below.
12

(i)

Deficient Conduct

13

(A)

Trial Competence at Arraignment

14

Petitioner argues that Counsel, prior to trial, unreasonably failed to fully investigate,

15 develop, and present the arraignment court and experts with then available evidence of and
16 substantial doubt as to his incompetence to stand trial, and request a hearing thereon. (See ECF
17 No. 107 at 62-65; ECF No. 210 at 62-69, citing American Bar Association Standards for
18 Criminal Justice (hereinafter “ABA Standards”), Mental Health, §§ 4-3.6 and commentary, 7-4.2
19 (“Defense counsel should move for an evaluation of the defendant’s competence to stand trial
20 whenever the defense counsel has a good faith doubt as to the defendant’s competence”).
21

An attorney is required to investigate and develop relevant facts. See e.g., Williams, 529

22 U.S. at 398(citing the ABA Standards) (counsel obligated to conduct a thorough investigation of
23 defendant’s background). The American Bar Association’s Guidelines for the Appointment and
24 Performance of Defense Counsel in Death Penalty Cases (hereinafter “ABA Guidelines”) are
25 suggestive of “prevailing norms of practice.” Wiggins, 539 U.S. at 522-24. ABA Guideline
26 10.7 provides that “[c]ounsel at every stage have an obligation to conduct thorough and
27 independent investigations relating to the issues of both guilt and penalty.” ABA Guideline 10.7
28 (rev. ed. 2003), reprinted in 31 Hofstra L. Rev. 913, 1015 (2003); see also Bobby v. Van Hook,
217

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1 558 U.S. 4, 7 (2009) (per curiam) (restatements of professional standards, such as the ABA
2 Guidelines, are useful “only to the extent they describe the professional norms prevailing when
3 the representation took place.”).
4

“The Ninth Circuit has observed that “[u]nder the ABA Standards [in effect at the time of

5 Petitioner’s trial and sentencing] defense counsel had a duty “to conduct a prompt investigation
6 of the circumstances of the case and to explore all avenues leading to facts relevant to the merits
7 of the case and the penalty in the event of conviction.” Noguera v. Davis, No. 17-99010, 2021
8 WL 3043458 at *16 (9th Cir. July 20, 2021) (citing ABA Standards 4-4.1 [2d ed. 1980]).
9

Here, the record reflects that, at the September 1982 arraignment, Counsel raised a doubt

10 as to Petitioner’s competence for trial based upon information from custodial staff and other
11 inmates; the trial court agreed, noting Petitioner’s appearance, and appointed Drs. Cutting and
12 Criswell to examine Petitioner pursuant to Penal Code sections 1367-70. (See RT, September
13 29, 1982 at 2-3.) Dr. Criswell and Dr. Cutting each independently evaluated Petitioner. (RT
14 6040-88, 6347-6403.) These experts reviewed and considered documents provided by Counsel
15 relating to the capital crimes and prior charges out of Ventura and Humboldt Counties (see ECF
16 No. 107 at 72), and the mental evaluation reports provided in the Ventura County proceeding by
17 psychiatrist Dr. Chappell and psychologist Dr. Donaldson finding Petitioner sane at the time of
18 those crimes (see CT Confidential Records at 8-20; RT 6117, 6360; see also 1SHCP Ex.’s 58,
19 59.) Drs. Cutting and Criswell concluded that Petitioner presented with a personality disorder,
20 not mental disease, defect, or PTSD, and found him then competent for trial and sane at the time
21 of the crimes. (Id.); see also Weaver, 26 Cal.4th at 945. Notably, Counsel reviewed, considered,
22 and concurred in the reports of these experts in determining to submit the competency issue to
23 the arraignment court. (RT, October 27, 1982 at 2.)
24

Petitioner faults Counsel for not obtaining and providing Drs. Cutting and Criswell with

25 then available evidence detailing Petitioner’s incompetency, including his alleged extensive
26 history of mental illness and use of anti-psychotic medication. (ECF No. 107 at 61-65; ECF No.
27 210 at 63-64, 70-72; see also Clabourne v. Lewis, 64 F.3d 1373, 1385 (9th Cir. 1995) (counsel
28 required to provide his experts with materials needed to develop an accurate profile of his mental
218

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1 health).

Particularly, Petitioner suggests Counsel should have provided Drs. Cutting and

2 Criswell with information from his 1977-1978 mental health evaluations in relation to his
3 Humboldt County conviction for assault with a deadly weapon, conducted by psychiatrist Dr.
4 Robert Gardner (see RT 4707-73; 1SHCP Ex. 110), and psychologist Dr. Jack Tolchin (see RT
5 4822-53; 1SHCP Ex. 117). He also suggests information gleaned from the 1981 mental health
6 evaluation by Chino State Prison psychologist Rolland Rose (see RT 4963-80) should have been
7 provided to Drs. Cutting and Criswell.
8

However, the state supreme court could find that Counsel reasonably raised a doubt as to

9 Petitioner’s competence, citing the arraignment court to Petitioner’s mental state evaluations in
10 the Ventura County proceeding and other reports (see RT, September 29, 1982 at 2-3), and
11 submitted the mater on the competency findings of Drs. Cutting and Criswell, for the noted
12 reasons stated by that court and those that follow.
13

The state supreme court reasonably could determine the findings and conclusions of Drs.

14 Donaldson and Chappell, considered by Drs. Cutting and Criswell, were largely corroborated by
15 the noted prior psychosocial history proffered by Petitioner in support of this Claim. Drs.
16 Donaldson and Chappell considered psychosocial history information both provided to them by
17 Petitioner in 1981 in the Ventura County proceeding (see 1SHCP Ex.’s 58, 59), and information
18 related to Petitioner’s 1977 Humboldt County conviction for assault with a deadly weapon (id.).
19

Drs. Donaldson and Chappell, aware Petitioner had seen psychiatrists in the past and had

20 a claimed history of amphetamine abuse, nonetheless observed no history of psychiatric
21 problems or treatment. (See 1SHCP Ex.’s 58, 59; see also ECF No. 210 at 70; RT 4926, 6043,
22 6049, 6090, 6116-19, 6373.) Particularly, Dr. Chappell testified to his review of Dr. Gardner’s
23 1977 report and the psychosocial history information in it. (RT 4862.) He testified that while he
24 had no information on Petitioner’s familial mental health history (RT 4887), Petitioner told him
25 that he had not received psychiatric treatment or drugs. (RT 4878-79.) Dr. Chappell, aware of
26 Petitioner’s claimed auditory hallucinations (RT 4875) and history of amphetamine abuse as a
27 truck driver (RT 4876), diagnosed Petitioner only with an adjustment disorder with depression
28 (RT 4886). Moreover, Dr. Donaldson testified that Petitioner’s familial mental health history,
219

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1 unavailable to him in 1981, would not have influenced his noted 1981 findings and conclusions.
2 (RT 4945.)
3

Regarding the proffer relating to the Humboldt County assault with a deadly weapon

4 conviction, Dr. Gardner concluded in his 1977 report that Petitioner presented only with “a
5 probable psychotic depressive reaction in an individual with underlying psychiatric disorder.”
6 (1SHCP Ex. 110; see also RT 4740-41.) Dr. Gardner observed that Petitioner: did not show
7 signs of hallucinations, schizophrenia, or PTSD (RT 4770-71); was possibly of below normal
8 intelligence (RT 4740); had been committed violent acts against family members and others;
9 (see e.g., RT 4734); and was not suicidal, but rather possibly was homicidal (RT 4723). While
10 Dr. Gardner recommended further psychiatric assistance and treatment (RT 4741), Petitioner has
11 not demonstrated that occurred.
12

Also, when Dr. Owre evaluated Petitioner in 1977 at the Men’s Colony in San Luis

13 Obispo, he found Petitioner to be without psychiatric symptomology except in his distorted
14 relationships with women. (RT 4788.)
15

Dr. Tolchin concluded in his 1978 report that Petitioner presented “a passive aggressive

16 personality with depressive and sado-masochistic features, in good remission at this time.”)
17 (1SHCP Ex. 117; see also RT 4832.) Dr. Tolchin, in his testimony, stated that to his knowledge
18 Petitioner was not then medicated. (RT 4832-33.) He found Petitioner to be a near model
19 prisoner (RT 4845-46.).

While Dr. Tolchin recommended continuing psychotherapy for

20 Petitioner along with his wife (RT 4846), Petitioner has not demonstrated that occurred. Dr.
21 Tolchin stated that he did not find Petitioner to be psychotic or schizophrenic. (RT 4849-50.)
22

Similarly, Dr. Rose, in his 1981 custodial evaluation, tested Petitioner to an IQ of 96

23 suggesting average intelligence (RT 4972), and diagnosed him with a personality disorder,
24 passive-aggressive personality with schizoid features and sexual sadism (RT 4974). Dr. Rose
25 found intense hostility toward women. (RT 4976.) Dr. Rose found no evidence of psychosis or
26 organic brain damage. (RT 4976-77.)
27

Also, the state supreme court reasonably could discount Petitioner’s suggestion that

28 Counsel failed to place before Drs. Cutting and Criswell Petitioner’s use of the antipsychotic
220

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1 Mellaril. For example, Petitioner suggests Drs. Donaldson and Chappell were unaware he was
2 taking Mellaril at the time they evaluated him in the Ventura County case. But the report of Dr.
3 Chappell includes Petitioner’s statements that he was then taking 600 milligrams of Mellaril to
4 calm his nerves. (1SHCP Ex. 58 at 2; RT 4868.) Even so, Dr. Chappell appeared skeptical,
5 testifying that Petitioner’s statement was unverified, and that Petitioner did not appear to be
6 under the influence of medication during the interview. (RT 4864, 4876.) Relatedly, Dr.
7 Donaldson testified that Petitioner’s court file, which he reviewed, did not indicate Petitioner’s
8 then was taking medication. (RT 4950.)
9

(B)

10

Dual Competency/Sanity Evaluation by Drs. Cutting and Criswell

Petitioner argues that during the 1982 arraignment, Counsel erred by requesting and

11 acquiescing in the appointment of Drs. Cutting and Criswell to examine Petitioner under both
12 Penal Code section 1367 (i.e., competency evaluation), and Penal Code section 1026 (i.e., sanity
13 evaluation). (ECF No. 107 at 63.); ECF No. 210 at 70); see also Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 963.25
14 He argues Counsel should have evaluated Petitioner’s sanity independently and confidentially.
15 He argues the trial court lacked jurisdiction to make such a dual purpose appointment, especially
16 so prior to entry of his “not guilty by reason of insanity” plea. He argues the dual purpose
17 appointment denied him a fair trial, freedom from compelled self-incrimination, and a reliable
18 verdict.
19

The California Supreme Court agreed with Petitioner, that the dual purpose appointments

20 were erroneous. Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 957-61. That court observed that statements by an
21 accused at a custodial mental competency examination could not be introduced at the sanity
22 phase or penalty phase of a capital case unless the accused has been informed of, and has waived
23 his Miranda rights, which did not occur in this case. Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 960, citing Estelle v.
24 Smith, 451 U.S. 454, 466-69 (1981).
25

Nonetheless, the state supreme court reasonably found the error non-prejudicial under

26 Strickland and harmless at the sanity phase, especially so given the persuasive weight of the
27
28

As noted, the Court previously denied Petitioner’s allegations that Counsel was ineffective in investigating,
preparing for, and during the sanity phase (see ECF No. 209 at 1-2, rejecting Claim 8), and that Counsel was
ineffective during the penalty phase (id. rejecting Claim 9).
25

221

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1 balance of expert opinion that Petitioner as sane at the time of the crimes. Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at
2 957, 959-63. That court reasonably also could find the erroneous dual purpose appointment
3 harmless at the penalty phase, as the noted findings of Drs. Cutting and Criswell and their sanity
4 phase testimony were cumulative of evidence otherwise before the penalty phase jury and only
5 insubstantially added to the persuasive weight of the mitigating evidence, for the reasons stated.
6 (See also ECF No. 209 at 48.)
7

(C)

Competency Re-Determination

8

Petitioner argues that Counsel, themselves incompetent and conflicted (see Claims 1 and

9 2, herein; see also ECF No. 210 at 72-75) erred by failing to investigate Petitioner’s post10 arraignment competence and thereupon seek a renewed determination of Petitioner’s mental state
11 or a suspension of proceedings for a formal competence inquiry pursuant to the procedures set
12 forth in Penal Code sections 1367-70 (regarding competency determination), with the result that
13 Petitioner proceeded with and completed trial in 1985 while mentally incompetent. (ECF No.
14 107 at 61; ECF No. 210 at 62-68); see also Maxwell, 606 F.3d at 575 (a defendant found
15 competent before trial may suffer deteriorated mental condition over time and by changed
16 circumstances, requiring reassessment of competency at trial).
17

Petitioner argues that his mental condition deteriorated after arraignment, pointing to the

18 above noted evidence that discontinuance of Mellaril in the months before trial contributed to his
19 alleged decompensation into psychosis as observed by defense experts and commented on by Dr.
20 Owre from the stand
21

Relatedly, Petitioner argues that Counsel erred by failing to prepare Drs. Cutting and

22 Criswell for their sanity phase testimony by providing them with updated and additional
23 information relevant to the opinions they proffered at the arraignment. For example, information
24 known to Counsel that:
25
26
27
28

1) During the time in county jail after arraignment and prior to trial, Petitioner
was not able to sleep, and heard and responded to imaginary voices. (See RT
3499-3501.)
2) Six of the mental health experts assessed Petitioner during the months before
trial found his mental state to be profoundly compromised. (See Claim 3, herein.)
222

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1
2

3) Defense expert Dr. Owre testified at trial that Petitioner appeared to be
psychotic in the courtroom. (RT 4815-17, 4854-59.)

3
4

However, the state supreme court reasonably could find Counsel was not deficient by

5 failure to seek a competency redetermination. That court reasonably could find Petitioner failed
6 to point to a “substantial change of circumstances or new evidence casting serious doubt on the
7 validity of the prior finding of the defendant's competence.” Medina, 11 Cal.4th at 734. Instead,
8 that court reasonably could find the weight of the mental state evidence available to Counsel
9 following arraignment was that although Petitioner suffered a progressive personality disorder,
10 that did not leave him incompetent for trial. (See Claim 3, herein.) As noted, none of the experts
11 who evaluated Petitioner prior to or during trial found him incompetent to stand trial. (Id.)
12

Additionally, Second Counsel conceded Petitioner’s competence on the record during the

13 sanity phase, stating her belief that Petitioner was able to understand the capital proceedings and
14 participate in his defense with the assistance of Counsel. (See RT 4857-58.)
15

Finally, to the extent Petitioner revisits allegations that Counsel was conflicted and

16 incompetent, this Court previously rejected these very allegations. (ECF No. 162 at 100, 109-10,
17 123, denying Claims 1 and 2.)
18

(ii)

Prejudice

19

Petitioner argues that counsel’s alleged deficient conduct was prejudicial because it

20 resulted in an erroneous finding that Petitioner was competent for trial notwithstanding sufficient
21 doubt as to competency. (ECF No. 107 at 62-63; ECF No. 210 at 76 citing Strickland, 466 U.S.
22 at 694 [even if Petitioner were to fail to prove his incompetency by a preponderance of the
23 evidence, it is still possible that he raised sufficient doubt on that issue to satisfy the prejudice
24 prong of his ineffective assistance of counsel claim].)
25

Under the clearly established federal law, a failure by counsel to seek a competency

26 hearing is prejudicially deficient under the Strickland standard, when there are “sufficient indicia
27 of incompetence to give objectively reasonable counsel reason to doubt the defendant's
28 competency” and “a reasonable probability that the defendant would have been found
223

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1 incompetent.” Hibbler, 693 F.3d 1140, 1149–50 (9th Cir. 2012) (quoting Stanley, 633 F.3d at
2 862).
3

Here, assuming arguendo Counsel’s allegedly deficient conduct, the state supreme court

4 reasonably could find Petitioner failed to raise sufficient doubt that his apparent personality
5 disorders and mental impairments left him unable to understand his trial proceedings and assist
6 counsel therein, for the reasons stated. (See e.g., Claim 3, herein.) This Court, in denying
7 Claims 8 and 9, determined the state supreme court reasonably could find no organic brain injury
8 or psychosis at the time of the capital crimes, and gave minimal weight to the proffer of state
9 habeas experts Foster and Watson.

(ECF No. 209 at 44, 51-53.) Particularly, this Court, in

10 rejecting Claim 8, found that Counsel was not ineffective by failing to request a competency stay
11 in the wake of Dr. Owre’s sanity phase testimony that Petitioner appeared schizophrenic and
12 seemed to be hallucinating in court. (ECF No. 209 at 42.)
13

As to Counsel’s choice of guilt phase defenses, the state supreme court could find

14 omission of a competency defense was reasonably premised in an adequate investigation, and
15 tactically motivated. (See Claims 6-7, herein.) The guilt phase defense, that Petitioner lacked
16 the intent to kill, was premised in the factual record, including Petitioner’s own statements and
17 testimony, and reasonably did not require further investigation and development of mental state
18 defenses. Petitioner does not point to substantial evidence of incompetence arising after
19 arraignment and continuing through trial. As noted, none of the trial experts opined that he was
20 then incompetent for trial. Petitioner’s demeanor and interaction with the trial court and Counsel
21 did not raise reasonable doubt as to competency in the mind of either.
22

Finally, the state supreme court reasonably found the sanity phase testimony of Drs.

23 Cutting and Criswell, erroneously admitted, was not prejudicial under the Strickland standard,
24 observing that:
25
26
27
28

Numerous expert witnesses testified at the sanity phase of trial and several of
them (other than Dr. Cutting and Dr. Criswell) expressed the opinion that
defendant was not insane or did not suffer from a mental disease or defect.
Neither Dr. Cutting nor Dr. Criswell learned information from defendant during
their competency examinations that was not available to the other expert
witnesses in their respective examinations of defendant. Although defendant
224

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argues “it is easy to see how [the] corroborating testimony [of Drs. Cutting and
Criswell] tipped the scales and hurt [defendant] irreparably” at the sanity phase,
the scales were not closely balanced, as evidenced by the fact the jury took less
than one hour to find defendant had failed to carry his burden of demonstrating he
was insane at the time of the crimes. The further revelation from Dr. Criswell that
defendant posed a danger in the future was no doubt unsurprising to the jury given
the facts of the case and was not the “highly inflammatory” information defendant
claims it to be.

1
2
3
4
5

Moreover, the testimony of Drs. Cutting and Criswell was not uniformly negative.
Although Dr. Cutting concluded defendant was not insane, he testified defendant
suffered from a schizoid personality disorder and that defendant probably did
experience hearing voices in his head. Dr. Criswell testified defendant endured an
“extremely pathological family,” which could have formed the basis of his
developing a mental condition as an adult.

6
7
8

[…]

9

Finally, to the extent defendant contends the erroneous dual appointment and
testimony of Drs. Cutting and Criswell deprived him of a fair and reliable penalty
phase verdict, we reject that claim as well because it is not reasonably possible
that, in the absence of the jury's consideration of their testimony at the penalty
phase, the jury would have reached a different verdict. (People v. Brown (1988)
46 Cal.3d 432, 448 [250 Cal.Rptr. 604, 758 P.2d 1135].)

10
11
12
13
14

15 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 957-63.)
16

d.

Conclusions

17

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of the Claim was not

18 contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by
19 the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the
20 evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
21

Claim 4 shall be denied.

22

2.

23

Petitioner alleges multiple instances of ineffective assistance during the pre-trial phase

Claims 6, 7

24 (i.e., Claim 6) and guilt phase (i.e., Claim 7), violating his rights under the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth,
25 Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments.26 (ECF No. 107 at 70-99.)
26
27
26

Petitioner states that he incorporates the factual allegations set out in Claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9 and 11. (ECF No.

28 107 at 71.)

225

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1

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

2

Claim 6 was presented to the California Supreme Court in Petitioner’s first state habeas

3 petition (Lod. Doc. 7 at 422-36, 443-45), and summarily denied on the merits, (Lod. Doc. 8).
4

Claim 7 was presented to the California Supreme Court on direct appeal (Lod. Doc. 1 at

5 138-70), and that court denied the allegations on the merits, stating that:
6

Guilt Phase Defense of Diminished Capacity

7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15

At the guilt phase of the trial, defense counsel defended the charge that defendant
was guilty of murdering Radford in the first degree by attempting to persuade the
jury that defendant did not intend to kill Radford, but only to knock him
unconscious. As to Levoy, counsel argued both that the killing did not occur
during the commission of the rapes because the sexual assaults had long since
terminated by the time defendant killed her, and that defendant had strangled
Levoy when she bit him on the thumb, enraging him and causing him to lose
contact with reality. As to Levoy, then, counsel argued the criminal homicide was
not elevated to first degree murder on either a felony-murder or a premeditation
theory. Despite possession of a large amount of expert evidence related to
defendant's mental condition, counsel chose not to present a defense of
diminished capacity.8 Defendant claims this decision demonstrates he was not
afforded the effective assistance of counsel. We disagree.
--------------------FOOTNOTE--------------------

17

n.8 Because defendant's crimes occurred before the voters passed Proposition 8
in June 1982, the defense of diminished capacity was still available. (In re Avena
(1996) 12 Cal.4th 694, 722-723 [49 Cal.Rptr.2d 413, 909 P.2d 1017]; People v.
Saille (1991) 54 Cal.3d 1103, 1112 [2 Cal.Rptr.2d 364, 820 P.2d 588].)

18

--------------------END FOOTNOTE--------------------

19

“'[I]n order to demonstrate ineffective assistance of counsel, a defendant must
first show counsel's performance was ”deficient“ because his ” representation fell
below an objective standard of reasonableness ... under prevailing professional
norms.“ (Strickland v. Washington[, supra,] 466 U.S. 668, 687-688 ....) Second,
he must also show prejudice flowing from counsel's performance or lack thereof.
(Strickland, supra, at pp. 691-692 ....) Prejudice is shown when there is a
”reasonable probability that, but for counsel's 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 Sixto[,
supra,] 48 Cal.3d 1247, 1257...; Strickland, supra, at p. 694 ....)' (People v.
Jennings[, supra] 53 Cal.3d 334, 357....)” (In re Avena, supra, 12 Cal.4th at p.
721, first ellipsis in Avena.)

16

20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28

“Reviewing courts defer to counsel's reasonable tactical decisions in examining a
claim of ineffective assistance of counsel (see People v. Wright (1990) 52 Cal.3d
367, 412), and there is a 'strong presumption that counsel's conduct falls within
the wide range of reasonable professional assistance.' ” (People v. Lucas (1995)
12 Cal.4th 415, 436-437 [48 Cal.Rptr.2d 525, 907 P.2d 373], quoting Strickland v.
Washington, supra, 466 U.S. at p. 689 [104 S.Ct. at p. 2065].) “[W]e accord great
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deference to counsel's tactical decisions” (People v. Frye (1998) 18 Cal.4th 894,
979 [77 Cal.Rptr.2d 25, 959 P.2d 183]), and we have explained that “courts
should not second-guess reasonable, if difficult, tactical decisions in the harsh
light of hindsight” (People v. Scott (1997) 15 Cal.4th 1188, 1212 [65 Cal.Rptr.2d
240, 939 P.2d 354]). “Tactical errors are generally not deemed reversible, and
counsel's decision-making must be evaluated in the context of the available facts.”
(People v. Bolin (1998) 18 Cal.4th 297, 333 [75 Cal.Rptr.2d 412, 956 P.2d 374].)
In the usual case, where counsel's trial tactics or strategic reasons for challenged
decisions do not appear on the record, we will not find ineffective assistance of
counsel on appeal unless there could be no conceivable reason for counsel's acts
or omissions. (People v. Earp (1999) 20 Cal.4th 826, 896 [85 Cal.Rptr.2d 857,
978 P.2d 15]; see also People v. Fosselman (1983) 33 Cal.3d 572, 581 [189
Cal.Rptr. 855, 659 P.2d 1144] [on appeal, a conviction will be reversed on the
ground of ineffective assistance of counsel “only if the record on appeal
affirmatively discloses that counsel had no rational tactical purpose for his act or
omission”].)
In this case, however, counsel set forth on the record specific reasons for deciding
to forgo a diminished capacity defense. “[T]here are many tactical considerations
that the defense has to review prior to commenting on evidence and taking a basic
theory of defense when arguing the case at the conclusion of the evidence. We
made a determination that we didn't want to attack diminished capacity or use
diminished capacity as an argument, although we felt it was necessary as a jury
instruction because of some of the evidence brought up; however, if we had
argued the fact that there was diminished capacity, we would have not had
proceeded [sic] on argument that we did, which is [defendant] looked at the
possibility of personally attempting to kill someone, reflected [on] that
[possibility] and ma[d]e the decision, a thinking decision of only attempting to
knock the man out. We couldn't have faithfully argued that to the jury if we had
the counter argument that he didn't have the ability to deliberate and premeditate
so we decided to go with the strongest evidence we had, which was no intent to
kill. [¶] ... [¶] Further, we decided not to submit any evidence of diminished
capacity by way of medical testimony, reserving that defense for the insanity [sic]
phase rather than coming in and destroying whatever evidence we were
presenting relative to his ability to decide and make a logical conclusion as to his
actions. We felt that there would be an inconsistent argument which would water
down our credibility with the jury if we were to go both ways, so we decided to
go and approach it one way.”
“Those were tactical decisions, and I am not saying that what we did was right,
looking at the results, but it was a decision that we had to make and we believe
that they were considered opinions predicated upon the evidence, [and the] state
of the law as we knew it to be.”
As is clear, counsel had a reasoned explanation for their decision to forgo a
diminished capacity defense at trial and to rely on what they considered their
stronger arguments, namely, that defendant did not premeditate the killings and
that Levoy's killing came after the rape had terminated. Defendant makes a
number of arguments why he believes counsel's admittedly tactical decision was
deficient, but none is availing. He claims counsel were mistaken in believing that
a diminished capacity defense would have been inconsistent with the defense that
defendant made a “thinking decision” to knock Radford out but not to kill him.
Yet defendant admits that in his pretrial statement to police, he said he intended
merely to knock Radford out. At trial, moreover, defendant testified he did not
think Radford would suffer serious injury.
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Defendant also contends trial counsel were mistaken in concluding a diminished
capacity defense would have been inconsistent with their defense that Levoy's
killing did not occur during the commission of the rapes. But in making the
temporal argument that the rapes had terminated, defense counsel David Huffman
may well have believed that reliance as well on a diminished capacity defense
would have undercut the thrust of the main defense theory of the case. We take
counsel's statement that he could not have “faithfully argued” his chosen defense
theory if he also used a diminished capacity argument to mean as much.
We reach the same conclusion with respect to defendant's claim that the
unconsciousness defense, that is, that defendant became enraged and lost
consciousness when Levoy bit his thumb, was not inconsistent with a diminished
capacity defense. That may be true, but counsel's decision to reserve the mental
evidence for the sanity phase so as not to blunt its impact was not unreasonable.
(See People v. Miller (1972) 7 Cal.3d 562, 572 [102 Cal.Rptr. 841, 498 P.2d
1089] [evidence of mental incapacity would lose much of its impact at the sanity
phase if presented earlier].)
Although the case was governed by the pre-Pope legal standard for ineffective
assistance of counsel,9 People v. Miller, supra, 7 Cal.3d 562, posed the exact
issue we confront in this case: was counsel ineffective for deciding to forgo
presentation of mental incapacity evidence at the guilt phase and to reserve it
instead for the sanity phase? We found counsel's tactical decision there was not
unreasonable, explaining: “We touch here on a difficult tactical problem facing
every defense counsel who possesses psychiatric evidence bearing on his client's
condition at the time of the crime. Since the development of the Wells-Gorshen
line of cases,10 this evidence is usually admissible at both the guilt phase and the
sanity phase. Counsel's dilemma is, therefore, at which phase should he introduce
this evidence? In People v. Coogler (1969) ... 71 Cal.2d 153, 169 [77 Cal.Rptr.
790, 454 P.2d 686], we upheld the competency of counsel who chose to introduce
such evidence at the guilt phase only: 'His decision not to enter an insanity plea
may have been based upon a fear that such a plea would prejudice his client's
claim of diminished capacity; if the jury knew that an insanity hearing would
follow in the event of defendant's conviction, it might treat summarily the
psychiatric testimony as to whether defendant could form the requisite intent to
commit the crimes charged.' Even more certain than this conjecture, however, is
that a trier of fact would tend to 'treat summarily' such evidence if it were
introduced at the sanity phase after the same trier had already rejected it at the
guilt phase. It follows that when, as here, counsel concludes his client has a valid
defense of not guilty by reason of insanity, it might be unwise for him to
prematurely expose that evidence to the scrutiny of the trier of fact at the guilt
phase.

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24

n.9 Compare People v. Ibarra (1963) 60 Cal.2d 460, 464 [34 Cal.Rptr. 863, 386
P.2d 487] (whether trial was reduced to a farce or sham by counsel's actions or
omissions) with People v. Pope (1979) 23 Cal.3d 412, 425 [152 Cal.Rptr. 732,
590 P.2d 859, 2 A.L.R.4th 1] (stating the modern standard).

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n.10 People v. Wells (1949) 33 Cal.2d 330 [202 P.2d 53]; People v. Gorshen
(1959) 51 Cal.2d 716 [336 P.2d 492].
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“It is no solution to this dilemma for us to engage in the perilous process of
second-guessing whichever of the alternatives counsel chooses....
“Nothing is seen more clearly than with hindsight. The most that can be fairly
said on this record, however, is that counsel's decision to delay introducing his
evidence of defendant's mental state until the sanity phase was a debatable trial
tactic. Yet as we reminded the bench and bar not long ago, even 'debatable trial
tactics' do not 'constitute a deprivation of the effective assistance of counsel.'
(People v. McGautha (1969) 70 Cal.2d 770, 784 [76 Cal.Rptr. 434, 452 P.2d
650], affd. sub nom. McGautha v. California (1971) 402 U.S. 183 [28 L.Ed.2d
711, 91 S.Ct. 1454].) When, as here, 'there is no showing that counsel did not
research the facts or the law, or that he was ignorant of a crucial defense' (In re
Hawley (1967) ... 67 Cal.2d 824, 829 [63 Cal.Rptr. 831, 433 P.2d 919]), and
counsel makes a tactical choice to withhold certain evidence for a later stage of
trial, sound policy reasons persuade us to defer to counsel's judgment in the
matter.” (People v. Miller, supra, 7 Cal.3d at pp. 572-574, fns. omitted.)
We agree and conclude the record does not demonstrate that counsel were
constitutionally ineffective under either the state or federal Constitution because
they chose to withhold the evidence of defendant's alleged diminished capacity
until the sanity phase of the trial.

14
15 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 925-29.
16

Application of Corpus Delicti Rule to Felony Murder

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Based on his statements to police, defendant originally was charged with felonymurder special-circumstance allegations based on kidnapping, rape, and sodomy.
Because the decomposition of Levoy's body was too advanced to confirm that she
had been sexually assaulted, the only evidence of these sexual assaults came from
defendant himself. Defendant moved to strike the two sex-crime-based specialcircumstance allegations, citing the corpus delicti rule, and the trial court granted
the motion.
As to the charged murder of Levoy, however, the prosecution proceeded on the
dual theories that defendant killed her after premeditating the crime and killed her
during the commission of a rape, i.e., on a felony-murder theory. Defendant now
contends the corpus delicti rule should prohibit permitting the jury to rely on a
felony-murder theory to elevate the degree of a homicide to the first degree, when
the only evidence of the sole qualifying felony (in this case, rape) comes from the
defendant's own statements. In the alternative, he claims that using his
uncorroborated admission he raped Levoy to establish the degree of the homicide
violates his rights under the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments to the federal
Constitution.
“The corpus delicti rule requires that the corpus delicti of a crime be proved
independently from an accused's extrajudicial admissions. [Citations.] 'The corpus
delicti of a crime consists of two elements, the fact of the injury or loss or harm,
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and the existence of a criminal agency as its cause.' [Citation.] Such proof,
however, may be circumstantial and need only be a slight or prima facie showing
'permitting the reasonable inference that a crime was committed.' [Citation.]”
(People v. Jennings, supra, 53 Cal.3d at p. 364.) When the People have
established the corpus delicti of murder, a defendant's extrajudicial statements
may be admitted to prove an underlying felony for felony-murder purposes even
if the felony cannot be proved by evidence other than such statements. (People v.
Cantrell (1973) 8 Cal.3d 672, 680-681 [105 Cal.Rptr. 792, 504 P.2d 1256],
disapproved on another ground by People v. Flannel (1979) 25 Cal.3d 668, 684,
fn. 12 [160 Cal.Rptr. 84, 603 P.2d 1].)11

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n.11 Although not at issue here, at the time of defendant's trial, the corpus delicti
rule applied to felony-based special-circumstance allegations (People v. Mattson
(1984) 37 Cal.3d 85, 93-94 [207 Cal.Rptr. 278, 688 P.2d 887]), a rule later
abrogated by statute (§ 190.41, enacted by Prop. 115, as approved by voters,
Primary Elec. (June 5, 1990)). The new rule is not retroactive. (People v. Ray
(1996) 13 Cal.4th 313, 341, fn. 13 [52 Cal.Rptr.2d 296, 914 P.2d 846].)

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13

Defendant concedes a long line of decisions has found the corpus delicti rule
inapplicable to felonies used to establish the degree of a homicide (People v.
Cooper (1960) 53 Cal.2d 755, 765 [3 Cal.Rptr. 148, 349 P.2d 964]; People v.
Miller (1951) 37 Cal.2d 801, 806 [236 P.2d 137] [“The corpus delicti of the crime
of murder having been established by independent evidence, ... extrajudicial
statements of the accused ... may be used to establish the degree of the crime
committed”]), but he contends the need for heightened reliability in capital cases
demands that we extend the protection of the rule to cases such as his. He also
argues the rule established by these decisions permitted the prosecution in his case
“to circumvent the stated policy [of the corpus delicti rule] of protecting an
accused from possibly fabricated testimony.” (See People v. Cullen (1951) 37
Cal.2d 614, 625 [234 P.2d 1].)

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Defendant's contentions are unpersuasive. The United States Supreme Court's
well-known admonition, on which defendant relies, about the need for heightened
reliability in capital cases, refers to the determination of penalty, not the degree of
the homicide. (Woodson v. North Carolina (1976) 428 U.S. 280, 305 [96 S.Ct.
2978, 2991, 49 L.Ed.2d 944] (lead opn. of Powell, J.) [“Because of that
qualitative difference [between a sentence of life and death], there is a
corresponding difference in the need for reliability in the determination that death
is the appropriate punishment in a specific case”].) We are unaware of any
holding by the high court, and defendant cites none, requiring this court to modify
its long-standing state-law-based rules governing the admissibility of evidence at
the guilt phase merely because in a particular case the death penalty is a possible
outcome.
The motivating idea of the corpus delicti rule-to protect an accused from his or
her own fabricated statements-has little application in this situation, where the
corpus delicti of murder is established by ample evidence of a homicide
committed by a criminal agency. Defendant is sufficiently protected from the
possibility of his own folly, his possible mental impairment, or police
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overreaching by the rule rendering his statements inadmissible to prove the
substantive sex crimes that he admitted having committed. Application of the
corpus delicti rule to the charge that he committed murder also protects him. He
finally is protected by his ability, should he so desire, to attempt to exclude his
statements by proving they were the product of his mental impairment or of police
misconduct. (See Colorado v. Connelly, supra, 479 U.S. at p. 167 [107 S.Ct. at p.
522] [“coercive police activity is a necessary predicate to the finding that a
confession is not 'voluntary' within the meaning of the Due Process Clause of the
Fourteenth Amendment”].)
Once the criminal agency has been established by prima facie evidence that a
murder was committed, permitting a defendant's own statements to help establish
the degree of the crime does not violate his rights to due process, a fair trial, or to
be free from cruel and unusual punishment, or other constitutional guarantee.
Although it is unclear whether defendant is relying on any asserted state
constitutional basis for his claim, we reject such claim as well, finding no reason
to interpret the state Constitution differently in this context.
Failure to Raise the Corpus Delicti Rule in Connection with the Charged
Kidnapping

21

Defendant next contends his defense counsel was ineffective for failing to move
to exclude on corpus delicti grounds his extrajudicial statements that he
kidnapped Levoy. We disagree. Counsel is not ineffective for failing to make a
frivolous motion. We reiterate that the proof necessary to satisfy a corpus delicti
challenge “need only be a slight or prima facie showing 'permitting the reasonable
inference that a crime was committed.' ” (People v. Jennings, supra, 53 Cal.3d at
p. 364.) Here, Levoy was known to be traveling with Radford, and witness James
Powell saw the two stranded by car trouble on the side of the road. Shortly
thereafter, Radford was found with grievous and ultimately fatal injuries, and
Levoy had disappeared. A search failed to reveal her whereabouts. Her body was
discovered 18 months later buried in defendant's yard, hundreds of miles from the
scene of her disappearance, in the opposite direction from which she was known
to have been traveling, and still clad in the clothes she had been wearing on the
night she disappeared. Because this evidence permits the reasonable inference
Levoy was taken from the crime scene against her will and moved a substantial
distance, the evidence establishes prima facie showing that a kidnapping occurred.
Any motion to exclude defendant's statements on the ground the corpus delicti f or
kidnapping had not been shown would have been denied. (See People v. Alcala
(1984) 36 Cal.3d 604, 624-625 [205 Cal.Rptr. 775, 685 P.2d 1126] [finding
corpus delicti of kidnapping on similar facts].) Counsel was thus not ineffective
under either the state or federal Constitution for failing to make the motion.

22

Application of the Corpus Delicti Rule to Levoy's Murder

23

Prior to trial, defendant moved on corpus delicti grounds to dismiss the charge he
murdered Levoy, contending the prosecution had not demonstrated a prima facie
case that Levoy had been murdered. The trial court denied the motion. Defense
counsel renewed the issue at trial, claiming defendant's extrajudicial statements
should be excluded on corpus delicti grounds. When the trial court overruled the
objection, defendant testified and explained that he killed Levoy, but the killing
was not intentional. Defendant now claims the trial court erred in overruling his
motion to exclude his statements and that this error induced him to testify at trial.

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Respondent argues that defendant did not adequately preserve the issue for
appeal, having raised a slightly different claim below. We do not resolve that
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question, however, because even assuming the issue was preserved, we find the
corpus delicti for Levoy's murder was more than adequately established by the
evidence independent of defendant's statements. The fact of the injury is obvious:
Levoy's lifeless body, unearthed in defendant's yard, is proof of that. The
existence of a criminal agency as the cause of her death is reasonably inferable
from the suspicious circumstances of her disappearance, including the fact
Radford was killed at the same time she disappeared, as well as from the fact her
body was buried in the same clothes she had been wearing when she disappeared,
suggesting her death was not from natural causes.

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The trial court held as much: “[T]he fact that Barbara Levoy disappeared abruptly
after her companion had been killed by homicide, and that she stayed disappeared
[sic] until she was discovered some eighteen months later, that she was
discovered in a grave four feet approximately underground, [there is] just ... a
great deal of circumstantial evidence that she died by means of homicide .... [¶] ...
[¶] ... It is obvious that it was not an accidental death, there was not a suicide, but
in any event, I am amply convinced that the death has been proved and it has been
proved to have been committed by criminal means.”

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We agree and conclude the trial court correctly denied defendant's motion, based
on the corpus delicti rule, to exclude his statements implicating him in Levoy's
murder. Accordingly, defendant could not have been improperly induced to testify
as a result of the trial court's decision denying his motion. To the extent defendant
claims that admission of his statements to prove he murdered Levoy violated his
rights to a fair trial, due process, and a fair and reliable penalty verdict under the
federal Constitution, we deny those claims as well.

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15 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 925–32.
Claim 7 also was presented to the California Supreme Court in Petitioner’s first state

16

17 habeas petition (Lod. Doc. 7 at 390-406), and summarily denied on the merits, (Lod. Doc. 8). 27
18

b.

Legal Standard

19

The legal standard for ineffective assistance of counsel is set out in section VII, E, 1, b,

20 (ii), herein.
21

c.

Analysis

22

Petitioner argues Counsel was ineffective by failing to investigate, develop, and defend

23 the charges against him. His multiple arguments are discussed separately, below.
24

(i)

Deficient Conduct

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26
27
27

Respondent waived exhaustion of alleged ineffective assistance of counsel for inadequate guilt phase closing

28 argument. (ECF No. 116 at 46 n.6 citing ECF No. 107 at 85-95.)
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1

(A)

Conflicts and Impairments

2

Petitioner argues that, prior to and during trial, Lead Counsel was impaired by “a number

3 of serious illnesses, including chronic alcoholism and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
4 due to military service during the Korean War, and numerous attempts at rehabilitation failed .”
5 (ECF No. 107 at 71.) He argues Counsel did not disclose to Petitioner and the trial court the
6 nature and extent of these impairments which caused Lead Counsel to be absent for much of
7 Petitioner’s trial. (Id.; see also Claims 1, 2, herein.)
8

Petitioner points to evidence that Lead Counsel’s chronic alcoholism and psychological

9 impairments resulted in his removal as counsel in separate prior criminal cases, and left him
10 unable to prepare and try Petitioner’s case even after multiple in-patient alcohol rehabilitation
11 programs over a period of years, and multiple continuances of the start of Petitioner’s trial. (ECF
12 No. 107 at 77-79, citing Claims 1, 2, 4, 8 , 9; ECF No. 210 at 98 citing 1SHCP Ex.’s 22, 23, 34,
13 62, 67, 82) He points to evidence that, after accepting appointment, Mr. Huffman was severely
14 ill and unable to: establish an effective attorney/client relationship; review, investigate and
15 develop evidence including as to Petitioner’s psychosocial and criminal histories and reports of
16 abnormal behavior in the Kern County Jail, police and autopsy reports, forensic evidence,
17 interrogation transcripts relating to the capital crime, and criminal histories in Humboldt and
18 Ventura counties; and adequately prepare and present discovery, change of venue, exclusionary
19 and other pre-trial motions. (ECF No. 107 at 72-73, 76-77 citing Claims 10, 13, herein.) For
20 example, he argues Counsel’s in limine motions were filed prematurely, giving the prosecution
21 “more time than necessary to develop a strategy to defeat the motions when they were properly
22 heard at the start of trial.” (ECF No. 107 at 79.)
23

Petitioner argues that during this time, Lead Counsel and Second Counsel each were

24 burdened by personal and professional conflicts. He points to evidence that when Mr. Huffman
25 accepted appointment, he was burdened by a heavy caseload , lack of legal and office resources,
26 and suffered financial difficulties. (ECF No. 107 at 73-74; see Claims 1, 2, herein.) For
27 example, he observes Lead counsel then represented defendants in two other capital cases. (Id.)
28

Petitioner points out that Second Counsel, who married Lead Counsel during the pretrial
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1 phase, also was conflicted personally and financially. (ECF No. 107 at 76 citing Claims 1, 2, 4,
2 herein.) For example, Counsel planned to create videotaped material from the sanity phase for
3 use as teaching material at their proposed commercial venture, The Huffman School of Law.
4 (ECF No. 107 at 91.)
5

However, the state supreme court reasonably could reject allegations Counsel was

6 impaired and conflicted and thus ineffective. This Court previously found that Petitioner was not
7 denied competent and conflict free counsel during the capital proceedings. (ECF No. 162 at 100,
8 109-10, 123.) This Court observed Second Counsel did not lack the ability, experience, and
9 knowledge to represent Portioner in the absence of Lead Counsel (ECF No. 162 at 98-100, 123,
10 citing Weaver, 26 Cal.4th at 952), stating that:
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21

Mrs. Huffman’s representation generally was cogent, in spite of her lack of
personal preparation, co-dependence, financial concerns, and exhaustion. During
the defense case in chief, she questioned one mental health expert about
schizophrenia in Weaver’s family (Dr. Raitt), three mental health experts who
evaluated Weaver in connection to the Humboldt County conviction (Drs.
Gardner, Owre, and Tolchin), three mental state experts relative to the Ventura
crimes (Drs. Chappell and Donaldson, plus Mr. Rose), three doctors comprising a
defense team hired defense to evaluate Weaver for the sanity proceedings (Drs.
Shonkwiler, Dietiker, and Lundgren), four PTSD experts (Drs. Wittlin, Donahoe,
Wilson, and Kormos), three lay witnesses (Weaver’s sister, Ms. Smith, and two
friends, Messrs. Barnett and Mooreland), and two inmate witnesses (Messrs.
Hogan and Archuleta). She conducted cross examination of five mental health
experts put on by the prosecution (Drs. Cutting, Matychowiak, Burdick, Criswell,
and Cholet), and an inmate witness (Mr. Sneed). She also conducted the rebuttal
case by examining two additional inmate witnesses (Messrs. Shannon and Flores).
Except for the opening argument on January 14, 1985 and the February 8, 1985
conference outside the presence of the jury about admission of the VESPI AV,
Mrs. Huffman conducted all aspects of the sanity phase. It was a substantial,
complex presentation of evidence and summation.
(ECF No. 162 at 96.)

22
23

(B)

Competency at Arraignment

24

Petitioner revisits his argument that Counsel, at the arraignment, unreasonably failed to

25 obtain a confidential and independent mental health evaluation of Petitioner, and unreasonably
26 stipulated to the non-confidential sanity evaluations by Drs. Cutting and Criswell, in the absence
27 of an underlying NGI plea or advisement of Petitioner as to his rights in such regard. (See ECF
28 No. 210 at 99 citing RT Sept. 29, 1982 at 2-4; CT 206-208.) He argues that Counsel misled the
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1 trial court by suggesting he had been evaluated for trial competency in the separate prior Ventura
2 County proceedings, when in fact that evaluation was only for sanity. (See ECF No. 107 at 74.)
3

Petitioner argues Counsel provided Drs. Criswell and Cutting with inaccurate and

4 incomplete prior psychiatric evaluations from the Humboldt and Ventura County proceedings.
5 He argues Counsel should have provided these experts with Petitioner’s psychosocial history
6 including jail and prison records verifying psychiatric treatment with Mellaril; his history of
7 delusions and suicidal ideation, depression, migraine headaches, severe emotional trauma from a
8 physically, psychologically, and sexually abusive childhood and combat duty in Vietnam; his
9 history of a fractured skull and temporal lobe damage from a trucking accident that occurred one
10 year before Petitioner’s first conviction at age thirty-two; and his history of numerous other head
11 injuries, clumsiness, and learning disabilities. (ECF No. 107 at 75; ECF No. 210 at 104 citing
12 the factual basis for Claim 4, discussed ante.)
13

However, the state supreme court reasonably could reject these allegations. As discussed

14 above, Counsel raised a doubt as to Petitioner’s competency, advising the arraignment court that,
15 while held in the Lerdo Jail facility “[Petitioner] has acted in a manner other than normal. He’s
16 been hearing voices and so on. This has been documented. I talked to those people personally.”
17 (RT September 29, 1982 at 2; see also CT 112.) The arraignment court stated that “[a]nd by
18 personal appearance, by looking at him, I think we should suspend proceedings.” (Id. at 3.)
19

Dr. Criswell examined Petitioner in the Kern County jail on October 18, 1982 and found

20 him both competent for trial and sane. (1SHCP Ex. 113 at 1, 7-8.) Dr. Criswell examined
21 “extensive records” including information relating to the capital offenses and charges, and the
22 Ventura County case and offenses, and mental evaluations therein. (Id.) Dr. Criswell observed
23 Petitioner was: “mildly sedated by his current medication” (id.); fully oriented with no evidence
24 of any thought disorder or delusional thinking (id. at 1-6); able to relate his family, educational,
25 military, employment, medical background, and lengthy criminal record (id.); and able to
26 describe his chronic auditory and visual hallucinations, and amphetamine use while working as a
27 truck driver (id.). As noted, Petitioner told Dr. Criswell that while incarcerated, he had and was
28 then taking Mellaril, with dosages as high as 600 mg. (Id.)
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1

Dr. Criswell found Petitioner to be an “extremely pathological individual[,]” free of

2 mental disease or defect and not or ever psychotic or legally insane. (Id. at 7.) Dr. Criswell
3 found unconvincing Petitioner’s reported oral hallucinations. (Id.) Dr. Criswell found
4 Petitioner “presently able to understand the nature and purpose of the proceedings taken against
5 him [and] presently able to cooperate in a rational manner with counsel in presenting a defense.”
6 (Id.) As to prognosis, Dr. Criswell found “[Petitioner] is likely to remain a dangerous individual
7 and a menace to society for many years, i.e., until enfeebled by reason or age or health.” (Id.)
8 Dr. Criswell diagnosed Petitioner with “antisocial personality disorder; sexual sadism; and
9 adjustment disorder with depressed mood.” (Id.)
10

Dr. Cutting, for his part considered nearly three hundred pages of reports and documents,

11 Petitioner’s narrative of his psychosocial history including use of Mellaril, and his examination
12 of Petitioner, and found Petitioner competent to stand trial with the assistance of counsel, and
13 sane at the time of the capital offenses. (CT Confidential Records at 8-12.)
14

The state supreme court reasonably could find on the record before it, that at the time of

15 arraignment, Counsel had discovered, reviewed, and provided the arraignment experts with the
16 then developed indicia of Petitioner’s incompetence, discussed above. That court reasonably
17 could observe that Counsel, prior to arraignment, had a compressed timeline for investigation
18 and development of Petitioner’s psychosocial background. The record reflects that Counsel was
19 appointed on August 19, 1982. (RT August 19, 1982 at 3.) The preliminary examination was set
20 for September 15, 1982 (id. at 5-6.), and the arraignment held two weeks later (RT September
21 29, 1982 at 2).
22

Moreover, as Drs. Cutting and Criswell were not defense experts, the state supreme court

23 could find that Counsel reasonably determined not to provide these experts with any confidential
24 defense information. Especially so, as Petitioner has not shown facts in the state record that he
25 had been found incompetent or insane, prior to his arraignment on the capital charges.
26

(C)

Investigation, Development, and Entry of Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity Plea

27

Petitioner argues his April 13, 1984 entry of an additional plea of not guilty by reason of

28 insanity was improper because Counsel failed reasonably to investigate and advise him on the
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1 plea, and his mental state precluded consent to it. (See CT 625-627, 639.) He also argues
2 Counsel failed to develop and provide court appointed sanity experts Richard Burdick, M.D., and
3 Francis Matychowiak, M.D., with the noted psychosocial history information relating to his
4 predisposition for mental illness, his abused upbringing and substance abuse, and his PTSD,
5 organic brain impairments and mental impairments, necessary to perfect the insanity plea and
6 defense. (See e.g., ECF No. 107 at 79-88; ECF No. 210 at 99 citing the noted expert opinion
7 from Petitioner’s prior offenses; Claims 3, 4, herein; see also ECF No. 209 at 36.)
8

Petitioner argues that in the absence of such proffered evidence, his sanity plea focused

9 only on his schizophrenic disorder, rather than the constellation of his organic and mental
10 impairments. He argues that as a result of such deficient conduct by Counsel, Drs. Burdick and
11 Matychowiak errantly found him sane.
12

Additionally, Petitioner argues the NGI plea was unconstitutionally entered. He argues

13 Counsel failed to fully advise him of the nature and consequences of the NGI plea and of his
14 right to refuse to talk with the court appointed sanity experts. (ECF No. 107 at 80.) He argues
15 that he wished to plead NGI only as to Count 2 (see CT 625-627), such that Counsel’s
16 subsequently enter of the NGI plea to all Counts was unauthorized (id.). He also argues that
17 Counsel did not allow him to personally enter the NGI plea. (Id.)
18

However, the state supreme court reasonably rejected these allegations.

The record

19 reflects the April 13, 1984 entry of Petitioner’s plea of NGI to the Count 2 murder of Levoy
20 based upon Counsel’s psychiatric examination. (RT April 13, 1984 at 4-5.) The trial court then
21 examined Petitioner as to his NGI plea to Count 2, confirming during colloquy with Petitioner
22 his entry of the NGI plea and appointment of Drs. Burdick and Matychowiak to examine him.
23 (Id. at 5-6.) The state supreme court observed that on that date, Counsel advised the trial court
24 that Petitioner wished to enter the additional plea, initiating the following colloquy:
25
26
27
28

“By the Court: Q Mr. Weaver, the second count of Information No. 24387
charges you with the crime of a violation of Section 187 of the Penal Code which
is murder. How do you plead to that charge?
“The Court: Do you want to add an additional plea?
“Mr. Huffman: Add an additional plea of not guilty and not guilty by reason of
insanity.
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1

“By the Court: Q Is that correct, Mr. Weaver?
“A Yes.” (Italics added.)

2
3 Weaver, 26 Cal.4th at 963-64.
4

Subsequently, during a pretrial hearing on Petitioner’s motion to sever Counts 1 and 2,

5 with Petitioner present, Counsel moved, and the trial court accepted additional pleas of not guilty
6 by reason of insanity to Counts 1 and 3. (May 14, 1984 RT at 13-18.) The state supreme court
7 reasonably could find Petitioner failed to demonstrate he lacked competence to knowingly plead
8 NGI, for the reasons stated.

(See Claim 3, 4, 8.) Furthermore, the state supreme court

9 reasonably rejected Petitioner’s contention that he was deprived of Boykin-Tahl rights when he
10 entered his plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, observing that Petitioner had concurrently
11 plead not guilty to the murders, such that he had not admitted the charges and was not entitled to
12 the Boykin-Tahl advisements. Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 964.
13

This Court previously denied allegations that Petitioner did not personally plead guilty by

14 reason of insanity and he was not advised of the rights he was waiving by entering that plea.
15 (See ECF No. 209 at 50; see also RT April 13, 1984 at 4-6.) The Court also found the state
16 supreme court was reasonable in rejecting allegations that Counsel was ineffective in
17 investigating, preparing for, and during the sanity trial. (See ECF No. 209 at 50.) In any event,
18 there is no clearly established federal law requiring the defendant to consent on the record to an
19 insanity defense. Rogovich v. Ryan, 694 F.3d 1094, 1097 (9th Cir. 2012)
20

At bottom, the state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner failed to point to

21 clearly established federal law demonstrating constitutional error in the entry of his NGI plea
22 amendments. State law error, if any there be, is not alone a basis for federal habeas relief.
23

(D)

The Guilt Phase Defenses

24

Petitioner argues Counsel unreasonably failed to fully to investigate the facts and

25 controlling law and thereupon develop and present at the guilt phase then available defenses of
26 trial incompetency, and impaired capacity to form the required mens rea. (ECF No. 107 at 8827 99; see also 1SHCP Ex.’s 36, 37.)
28

Particularly, Petitioner argues that Counsel, due to incompetence, conflict, and
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1 insufficient investigation and development of facts and law, presented inferior defenses to the
2 prosecution’s theory of first degree murder, that: (1) he did not intend to kill Radman, but meant
3 only to knock him out, precluding premeditated murder, (2) he did not intend to kill Levoy, but
4 did so accidentally and only after she bit him triggering a blackout and his unconscious act of
5 strangling her, precluding premeditated murder, and (3) the killings of Radman and Levoy were
6 not “immediately adjacent” in time to rape, precluding felony murder-rape. (See ECF No. 107 at
7 82-96, 236; see also ECF 210 at 124-131.)
8

However, the state supreme court reasonably could find that Counsel adequately

9 investigated and developed mental state evidence, and was motivated by reasonable trial tactics
10 in choosing the defense presented at the guilt phase, and reserving certain of the mental state
11 evidence for the sanity phase, for the reasons stated and those that follow. (See Claims 3, 4,
12 herein); see also Dunn v. Reeves, 141 S. Ct. 2405, 2410 (2021) (citing Burt v. Titlow, 571 U.S.
13 12, 23-24) (2013)) (even if there is reason to think that counsel's conduct “was far from
14 exemplary,” a court still may not grant relief if “[t]he record does not reveal” that counsel took
15 an approach that no competent lawyer would have chosen.).
16

(1)

Guilt Phase Investigation

17

Petitioner argues that Counsel’s investigation of guilt phase defense was inadequate to

18 support reasonable trial tactics. But the state supreme court reasonably found otherwise. See
19 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 925-29.
20

The record reflects that Counsel investigated Petitioner’s psychosocial background prior

21 to the guilt phase. Of the nineteen experts proffered at trial, seventeen examined Petitioner prior
22 to the sanity phase. (See section VII, A, 1, c, (ii) (B), herein.) Counsel’s investigation included
23 expert derived information relating to: Petitioner’s deprivations, academic problems and social
24 and mental health problems as a child and youth (section VII, A, 1, c, (ii) (B), herein; see also
25 RT 4978, 5106, 5300-01, 5497, 5798); his desire to join the Army in order to go to Vietnam and
26 die there (section VII, A, 1, c, (ii) (B), herein; see also RT 4735, 5300, 5383, 5534); his auditory
27 hallucinations (section VII, A, 1, c, (ii) (B), herein; see also RT 4868, 4923, 5101-02, 5517,
28 5519, 5804, 5808, 5820, 5895, 6047, 6242); and his prior psychiatric history including that he
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1 had been diagnosed in the 1970’s as paranoid and that he was taking the antipsychotic
2 medication Mellaril while incarcerated in state prison and the Ventura County jail (section VII,
3 A, 1, c, (ii) (B), herein; see also RT 4702-10, 4738, 6979, 4792, 4795, 4810, 4822, 5070, 5117,
4 and 6373).
5

Counsel also interacted with and observed Petitioner prior to and during the guilt phase

6 and discovered non-expert guilt phase evidence relating to Petitioner’s conduct and demeanor,
7 including his ability to participate in his defense with the assistance of counsel. (See RT 48578 58; see also 1SHCP Ex. 34.)
9

As noted, Counsel investigated and presented at the guilt phase non-expert evidence

10 relating to Petitioner’s personal background, service in Vietnam, the facts of the capital crimes,
11 his alleged loss of touch with reality upon being bitten, his hearing and responding to internal
12 voices, and the mistreatment he suffered growing up, perpetrated by his mother. (See RT 390613 3999; see also 1SHCP Ex. 34.) Counsel requested and received prior to the guilt phase,
14 Petitioner’s U.S. Army records. (See RT 5849-55.) Counsel also requested the Army provide
15 information about veterans familiar with and who could corroborate Petitioner’s service in
16 Vietnam, but the Army refused, on privacy grounds. (See RT 5850.)
17

(2)

Choice of Guilt Phase Defenses

18

Petitioner argues that then available but unpresented mental state defenses predicated on

19 evidence of his “major mental illnesses, organic brain impairments, substance abuse,
20 overwhelming developmental and combat trauma, and symptoms arising from that trauma” were
21 superior to the defenses presented at trial. (ECF No. 107 at 88.) Particularly, he argues his
22 mental incapacity to commit first degree murder, and relatedly his inability to voluntarily,
23 knowingly, and intentionally waive constitutional rights. (ECF No. 107 at 83; see also ECF No.
24 210 at 99-104.)
25

Petitioner argues that, contrary to Counsel’s belief, presentation of mental state defenses

26 at the guilt phase would not have been inconsistent with his insanity defense. (ECF No. 210 at
27 126-30 citing Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 928; see also (RT 4507.) He observes that even Second
28 Counsel second-guessed her husband’s decision not to present a mental state defense at the guilt
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1 phase. (ECF No. 210 at 127 citing 1SHCP Ex. 34 at ¶ 28.)
2

However, as to alleged trial incompetence, the state supreme court could find that

3 Counsel reasonably chose not to seek a redetermination of competency at the guilt phase, for the
4 reasons stated. (See Claim 4, herein.)
5

As to an alleged diminished capacity, the state supreme court reasonably could find that

6 contrary to Petitioner’s assertion, Counsel was aware that diminished capacity was then an
7 available defense at the guilt phase, but chose to reserve expert mental state evidence for the
8 sanity phase, following an adequate investigation. (See ECF No. 107 at 90, 92 citing RT 44999 4507, 7080; ECF No. 210 at 126; ECF No. 214 at 34); see also Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 925-29;
10 Weeden v. Johnson, 854 F.3d 1063, 1070 (9th Cir. 2017) (citing Bemore v. Chappell, 788 F.3d
11 1151, 1166–67 (9th Cir. 2015) (counsel must make a reasonable decision that investigation of
12 psychological evidence is unnecessary); Wiggins, 539 U.S. at 522 (“Under Strickland, counsel’s
13 investigation must determine trial strategy, not the other way around.”); cf. Williams, 529 U.S. at
14 396 (counsel’s failure to uncover and present mitigating evidence could not be justified as a
15 tactical decision to focus on Williams’ voluntary confessions where counsel did not thoroughly
16 investigate defendant’s background).
17

The defense of diminished (impaired) capacity, later abolished, see People v. Saille, 54

18 Cal.3d 1103) (1991), was extant when Petitioner committed his crimes. See, e.g., People v.
19 Mickey, 54 Cal.3d 612, 639, n.1 (1991) (diminished capacity defense available as to crimes
20 committed before January 1, 1982; Penal Code § 25 (a)); People v. Wetmore, 22 Cal.3d 318, 331
21 (1978), superseded by statute as stared in People v. Elmore, 59 Cal. 4th 121 (2014) (allowing
22 .presentation of duplicating mental state evidence at both the guilt and sanity phases at the time
23 of Petitioner’s trial). It provided that “[a] person who intentionally kills may be incapable of
24 harboring malice aforethought because of a mental disease, defect, or intoxication, and in such
25 case his killing, unless justified or excused, is voluntary manslaughter.” People v. Conley 64
26 Cal.2d 310, 318) (1966), disapproved on other grounds by People v. Ray, 14 Cal. 3d 20, 25
27 (1975), abrogated on other grounds by People v. Lasko, 23 Cal. 4 th 101, 110 (2000).
28

The Ninth Circuit has stated that “during the guilt phase, a defendant's mental state is
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1 directly relevant for limited purposes - principally, ... legal insanity or actual failure to form the
2 requisite intent at the time of the offense.” Noguera, 2021 WL 3043458 at *15) (citing Bemore,
3 788 F.3d at 1171).

The Ninth Circuit also has stated that “mental defenses to charges of

4 premeditated murder are rarely successful during the guilt phase.” Id. at *22 (citing Mickey v.
5 Ayers, 606 F.3d 1223, 1239 (9th Cir. 2010)) (discussing the climate surrounding mental health
6 defenses and the death penalty in the early to mid-eighties).
7

The state supreme court reasonably could find unpersuasive Petitioner’s argument that

8 Counsel failed adequately to investigate the availability and sufficiency of a diminished capacity
9 defense at the guilt phase. The record demonstrates Counsel’s understanding that diminished
10 capacity was an available defense to the charged murders. For example, prior to voir dire, Lead
11 Counsel told the trial court he would present a diminished capacity defense overlapping the
12 insanity defense. (See ECF No. 210 at 125 citing RT 298-99.) Counsel filed a July 26, 1983
13 motion for ruling that the state’s Proposition 8 did not retroactively bar a diminished capacity
14 defense on the facts and circumstance of Petitioner’s case. (See CT 271-279.) The prosecutor
15 ultimately conceded the issue. (CT 288, 1160.) Moreover, Counsel requested and received
16 instruction on voluntary manslaughter due to diminished capacity (CT 1412, 1417, 1429-33), and
17 unconsciousness (CT 1445).
18

Furthermore, Counsel presented a guilt phase defense built around Petitioner’s statements

19 and testimony that he expressly did not intend to kill Radman and blacked out during the killing
20 of Levoy. (See RT 3942-48, 3957.) Counsel supported the defense to Levoy’s killing with non21 expert mental state evidence suggesting an unconsciousness defense, including that: Petitioner
22 loses control and blacks out when bitten, a disciplinary technique used against him by his mother
23 (see e.g., RT 3890-94); Petitioner regularly used amphetamines and did so on or about the date
24 of the capital crimes, and had not slept for about 10 days previous (see e.g., RT 3923, 4072-73);
25 Levoy bit him and the next thing he knew, she was dead (see e.g., RT 3996-97); and Petitioner
26 heard voices prior to and during the capital crimes telling him what to do (see e.g., RT 3916-19
27 3929-32, 3953-55, 3999).
28

Counsel explained this tactic was meant to avoid impeaching the credibility of Counsel,
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1 and blunting the impact of evidence presented at the sanity phase. (See e.g., ECF No. 210 at
2 134-35; RT 4499-4504; see also Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 927-28; People v. Miller, 7 Cal. 3d 562,
3 572 (1972) (“[T]rial counsel could well have believed that if he were to disclose his evidence of
4 mental incapacity at the guilt phase, it would lose much of its impact on the [trier of fact] during
5 the insanity phase.”).

The fact that Second Counsel may not have understood fully Lead

6 Counsel’s tactics reasonably could suggest no more than the division of labor between Lead and
7 Second Counsel. (See e.g., 1SHCP Ex. 34 at ¶ 28.)
8

Notably, in the months before trial, Counsel moved to sever the Radford and Levoy

9 murder Counts due to the “divergent defenses” Counsel intended to offer. (RT May 11, 1984 at
10 4.) Lead Counsel, in the course of explaining why he reserved certain mental state evidence for
11 the sanity phase, noted his concern not with admissibility of a mental incapacity defense, but
12 with how the jury might view divergent and disparate evidence of Petitioner’s statements to
13 authorities and the mental state opinion evidence from the noted experts. (RT 4502-07.) The
14 state supreme court did not err in finding that explanation to be reasonable. See Hernandez, 923
15 F.3d at 550–51 (citing Doe v. Ayers, 782 F.3d 425, 445 (9th Cir. 2015)) (generally, the court
16 credits the statements of defense counsel as to whether their decisions at trial were—or were
17 not—based on strategic judgments).
18

Significantly, Petitioner concedes that the tactically reasonable presentation of

19 inconsistent defenses alone would not rise to the level of deficient conduct. (ECF No. 210 at
20 142; see also ECF No. 214 at 36.) “Counsel’s tactical decisions are virtually unchallengeable,”
21 Furman v. Wood, 190 F.3d 1002, 1007 (9th Cir. 1999), and under § 2254(d), habeas review is
22 “doubly deferential.” Yarborough v. Gentry, 540 U.S. 1, 5 (2003).
23

Also supporting Counsel’s strategy was Petitioner’s cogent and lucid guilt phase

24 testimony suggesting goal oriented actions and a level of functionality during the capital crimes
25 including attempts to avoid detection and apprehension over multiple days. (RT 3906-4029,
26 4095); see also Williams, 384 F.3d at 609 (citing Williams v. Calderon, 41 F. Supp.2d 1043,
27 1059 (1998)) (“Petitioner's experts did not adequately explain the effect of his impairments on
28 his thoughts or actions, and failed to adequately explain how he could appear lucid during the
243

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1 crimes yet be unable to form the intent to kill”). Petitioner vividly testified at the guilt phase that
2 after Levoy bit him, he stopped jerking the diaper he had around her neck when he realized he
3 was hurting her; and tried to explain to her “what happens when somebody bites me.” (RT 3997;
4 see also RT 4015-16, 4026-29.) That only then did he realize she was dead. (RT 3998.)
5

Additionally, the state supreme court reasonably could find the weight of the expert

6 mental state opinion not supportive of Petitioner’s impaired capacity for form mens rea at the
7 time of the capital crimes. (See section VII, A, 1, c, (ii), (B), herein.) Of the nineteen mental
8 health experts whose opinions were offered at trial, only Dr. Shonkwiler, without the benefit of
9 Petitioner’s guilt phase testimony, opined diminished capacity and insanity. 28 (Id.) Of the two
10 other trial experts who opined insanity, Dr. Kormos found that Petitioner was aware of the
11 requirements of the law at the time of the capital crimes (RT 5959), and Dr. Wilson found that
12 Petitioner could distinguish right from wrong at the time of the capital crimes (RT 5820). Also,
13 Petitioner’s statements to the experts reasonably suggested his potential for violence, especially
14 against women, and that he might be a malingerer. (See section VII, A, 1, c, (ii), (B), herein.)
Petitioner’s state habeas proffer is not persuasive otherwise. (See ECF NO. 209 at 36.)

15

16 The state habeas record reflects that in 1997, notwithstanding the noted evidence of progressive
17 mental impairment, habeas defense expert psychologist Dr. Dale Watson tested Petitioner to a
18 full-scale IQ of 93, with a verbal score of 85 and a performance score of 107. (1SHCP Ex. 36 at
19 12-13.) Dr. Watson detected a strong possibility of anxiety disorder such as PTSD, but offered
20 no opinion on Petitioner’s sanity, or ability to form mens rea at the time of the crimes. (Id. at
21 15-16; see also Lod. Doc. No. 7 at 282-85). Dr. Watson noted Petitioner’s apparent learning,
22 attention, and memory deficits, but did not opine expressly as to origin, or how these deficits
23 might have related to Petitioner’s mental state at the time he committed his capital crimes. (Id.)
24 Also, Dr. Watson did not review all of the information that was available to the trial experts, a
25 basis reasonably to discount his testimony. (See 1SHCP, Ex. 36 at 4, Appx. A.)
26
The Court previously
and the limiting instructions given by the trial
27 court in relation thereto,found Dr. Shonkwiler’s impaired license,testimony and opinions favorable to the defense.
did not materially lessen the force of his
28

28

(ECF No. 209 at 43.)

244

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1

State habeas defense expert psychiatrist Dr. David Foster opined in 1998 that Petitioner’s

2 mental capacity was seriously diminished by mental illness, substance abuse and brain damage.
3 (1SHCP Ex. 37 at 14-15.) Dr. Foster found Petitioner was legally insane at the time of the
4 crimes. (1SHCP, Ex. 37 at 14-15.) However, the state supreme court reasonably could observe
5 that Dr. Foster relied upon basically the same mental health factors and problems that were
6 considered and opined upon by the trial experts fourteen or more years before. (See e.g., 1SHCP
7 Ex. 37 at 8-15; see also section VII, A, 1, c, (ii) (B).)
8

As was the case with Dr. Watson, it appears Dr. Foster did not have the benefit of all the

9 psychosocial information reviewed by the trial defense experts. (1SHCP Ex. 37, Appx. A.) To
10 the extent of the organic brain damage noted by Dr. Foster (1SHCP Ex. 37 at 14; see also Lod.
11 Doc. No. 7 at 269-70, 274), Dr. Cholet’s investigation in preparation for trial 15 years earlier, did
12 not support organic brain injury. (RT 6419-21.) Notably, Petitioner’s other habeas expert, Dr.
13 Watson, found that an April 1991 MRI of Petitioner’s brain was “essentially normal.” (1SHCP
14 Ex. 36 at 7.)
15

Additionally, Petitioner’s statement to Dr. Foster suggesting that during pretrial

16 incarceration, he may have been medicated with large doses of the antipsychotic Mellaril (see
17 1SHCP Ex. 37 at 12) could reasonably be discounted by the state supreme court. The record
18 reasonably suggests uncertainty as to duration and dosing of Mellaril for Petitioner, and whether
19 the drug was given as an antipsychotic or a sedative (See e.g., 1SHCP Ex. 36 at 6; 1SHCP Ex.
20 60; Lod. Doc. No. 7 at 268-69, 271-72; see also section VI, A, 1, (c), (ii), (B), herein; RT 486821 69, 5051, 5055, 5059, 5070, 5077, 5099, 5102, 5109, 5519, 5529, 5533, 5538, 5791, 5799, 5800,
22 5807-10.) For example, there was testimony at trial that correctional staff might have prescribed
23 Mellaril as a tranquilizer. (See RT 6373.) In any event, the related possibility that schizophrenia
24 could be masked by Mellaril, a consideration urged by Petitioner on habeas review, was
25 considered by the trial experts in formulating their conclusions. (See section VI, A, 1, (c), (ii),
26 (B), herein; see also e.g., RT 4868-69, 4887-88, 5070, 5958, 6373.)
27

It follows that, having reasonably selected a mens rea defense as the primary defense

28 theory, Counsel no longer had a duty to investigate a conflicting mental state defense. See Bean
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1 v. Calderon, 163 F.3d 1073, 1081–82 (9th Cir.1998) (counsel's reasonable choice of an alibi
2 defense ended counsel's duty to investigate a conflicting defense of diminished mental capacity);
3 Turk v. White, 116 F.3d 1264, 1266–67 (9th Cir.1997) (defense counsel's reasonable selection of
4 a self-defense theory obviated counsel's need to investigate a conflicting defense of
5 incompetency); Correll v. Stewart, 137 F.3d 1404, 1411 (9th Cir.1998) (defense counsel was not
6 ineffective for failing to present psychiatric evidence that would have contradicted the primary
7 defense theory of misidentification); Fritchie v. McCarthy, 664 F.2d 208, 215 (9th Cir.1981)
8 (same).
9

The state supreme court reasonably could find unpersuasive Petitioner’s further argument

10 faulting Counsel for defensing felony murder-rape by arguing the rape was not proximate in time
11 to the murders. (See ECF No. 210 at 107; see also People v. Hernandez, 47 Cal.3d 315, 348
12 (1988) (“[T]he focus is on the relationship between the underlying felony and the killing and
13 whether the felony is merely incidental to the killing, an afterthought.”)
14

Here, Petitioner testified to his overarching desire to rape Levoy and that the killings

15 occurred in the furtherance and aftermath of rape. (See RT 3929-4000.) The state supreme
16 court reasonably could find unsupported in the state record any argument that rape was
17 secondary to murder. Moreover, as Respondent observes, the latter argument likely would have
18 conceded an ab initio intent to kill Radford and Levoy (see ECF No. 211 at 39), an intent Gibson
19 had ascribed to Petitioner (see CT 185).
20

Accordingly, the state supreme court reasonably could find this is not a case where

21 counsel failed adequately to investigate, develop, and present the best possible guilt phase
22 defense. See Hernandez, 923 F.3d at 550 (trial counsel was unreasonable by failing to
23 investigate and present a diminished capacity defense based on mental illness, the “best possible
24 defense” in that case and one available under then-existing California law); see also Furman, 190
25 F.3d at 1007 (under the Strickland standard, “[c]ounsel’s tactical decisions are virtually
26 unchallengeable.”).
27
28
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1

(E)

Guilt Phase Opening and Closing Argument

2

Petitioner faults Counsel for waiving a guilt phase opening statement and delivering a

3 “rambling, confused, and repetitious guilt phase closing argument which required a recess to
4 reorganize.” (ECF No. 210 at 109-110 citing RT 3266, 3879, 4361-4421.) He argues these
5 omissions and acts were not motivated by reasonable tactics. He points to Counsel’s initial
6 intent to present a diminished capacity defense (RT 298-99), only to later reserve mental state
7 evidence for the sanity phase (RT 4500, 4505). He points to Counsel’s confusion during sidebar
8 prior to the guilt phase closing, regarding the law of malice and felony murder (ECF No. 107 at
9 98-99 citing RT 4359-60), later necessitating correction in front of the jury following prosecution
10 objection (ECF No. 107 at 98, citing RT 4393-94, 4407-08).
11

The Court observes that generally, “[t]he timing of an opening statement, and even the

12 decision whether to make one at all, is ordinarily a mere matter of trial tactics and in such cases
13 will not constitute the incompetence basis for a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel.”
14 United States v. Rodriguez-Ramirez, 777 F.2d 454, 458 (9th Cir. 1985); see also United States v.
15 Murray, 751 F.2d 1528, 1535 (9th Cir. 1985) (rejecting claim of ineffectiveness where counsel,
16 motivated by reasonable tactics, failed to make an opening statement, failed to cross-examine
17 some witnesses, and failed to call any witnesses in defense); Gustave v. United States, 627 F.2d
18 901, 904 (9th Cir.1980) (“[m]ere criticism of a tactic or strategy is not in itself sufficient to
19 support a charge of inadequate representation”).
20

Similarly, “[c]ounsel has wide latitude in deciding how best to represent a client, and

21 deference to counsel’s tactical decisions in his closing presentation is particularly important
22 because of the broad range of legitimate defense strategy at that stage.” Gentry, 540 U.S. at 5-6.
23 Closing arguments “should ‘sharpen and clarify the issues for the trier of fact,’ but which issues
24 to sharpen and how best to clarify them are questions with many reasonable answers.” Id. at 6.
25 “Judicial review of a defense attorney’s summation is therefore highly deferential . . . .” Id.
26

Here, the state supreme court reasonably could reject the instant allegations. Petitioner

27 has not rebutted on the factual record the strong presumption that counsel acted competently.
28 See Richter, 562 U.S. at 104. Petitioner has not pointed to evidence suggesting Counsel’s waiver
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1 of the guilt phase opening was an unreasonable trial tactic. Particularly, the fact Counsel
2 originally deferred and later waived opening statement, in response to the prosecution’s position,
3 reasonably suggests a tactical underpinning rather than a lack of preparation. (See RT 3266,
4 3879.)
5

Counsel’s trial tactic regarding reservation of expert evidence of impaired capacity for

6 the sanity phase was reasonable, for the reasons discussed above. (See ECF No. 209 at 36-37.)
7

Furthermore, Petitioner has not shown Counsel’s sidebar at the guilt phase closing

8 regarding a potential misstatement during discussion of jury instructions, and Counsel’s
9 allegedly muddled guilt phase closing argument, preponderates over the presumption of
10 diligence. Petitioner argues that “[d]uring a sidebar conference just prior to closing argument,
11 counsel revealed their confusion and lack of knowledge about the intent requirements set forth in
12 Carlos v. Superior Court, 35 Cal. 3d 131 (1983), overruled by People v. Anderson, 43 Cal. 3d
13 1104 (1987)), superseded by statute as stated in People v. Mil, 53 Cal. 4th 400 (2012)), requiring
14 counsel to improvise and modify their closing argument accordingly.” (ECF No. 107 at 98 citing
15 RT 4359-60.) He argues Counsel’s closing argument was unprepared, uninformed, and
16 misstated the law. (ECF No. 107 at 98.) But the state supreme court reasonably found Counsel
17 methodically and at length argued the facts and law, questioning the credibility of Gibson, the
18 prosecution’s star witness, and whether the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable
19 doubt. (See RT 4361-4421.)
20

In any event, such closing statements reasonably could be viewed as mere argument,

21 clarified, and corrected as necessary by the trial court’s oral and written instructions. See
22 Rodriguez-Ramirez, 777 F.2d at 458.
23

(F)

Other Guilt Phase Acts/Omissions

24

Petitioner argues or reargues multiple other guilt phase deficiencies, discussed separately

25 below.
26

(1)

Corpus Delicti of Felony Murder-Rape

27

Petitioner argues Counsel unreasonably failed to invoke the corpus delicti rule to exclude

28 his out-of-court statements to Kern County authorities that were used to establish felony murder,
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1 and the felony murder special circumstance. (See ECF No. 107 at 95-98; ECF No. 210 at 1062 08; see also Claim 25, herein); Mattson, 37 Cal.3d at 93-94 (the corpus delicti of felony-based
3 special circumstances must be established independently of an accused’s extrajudicial
4 statements).
5

However, for the reasons stated, the state supreme court reasonably could find sufficient

6 evidence in the record, apart from Petitioner’s noted statements, to establish the corpus delicti for
7 first degree felony murder and the felony murder-kidnap special circumstance, such that any
8 motion to exclude the statements on such grounds would have failed. (See Claim 25, herein); see
9 also Rupe v. Wood, 93 F.3d 1434, 1445 (9th Cir. 1996) (the failure to make a futile argument
10 does not constitute ineffective assistance of counsel); James, 24 F.3d at 27 (same); Morrison v.
11 Estelle, 981 F.2d 425, 429 (9th Cir. 1992) (same).
12

Moreover, as Petitioner acknowledges, Counsel did object, on corpus delicti grounds, to

13 use of his extrajudicial statements to prove murder. (See ECF No. 107 at 97-98; see also Claim
14 25.) The record also reflects Counsel’s extensive corpus delicti argument in support of his
15 pretrial probable cause challenge under Penal Code section 995. (See April 23, 1984 RT 13-95.)
16 The trail court denied the 995 motion relative to Counsel’s claim that the corpus delecti of
17 murder as to Levoy was not proven at the preliminary hearing. The trial court heard and rejected
18 similar argument during Counsel’s pretrial motion to sever Counts 1 and 2, stating that “the
19 corpus of Count 2 can be quite easily established by finding the body [of Levoy] in the shallow
20 grave covered over by the platform . . . that establishes a homicide.” (RT May 11, 1984 at 16.)
21

(2)

Prior Criminal Acts

22

Petitioner faults Counsel for adducing testimony from Petitioner that prior to the capital

23 crimes, he assaulted Bonnie Brown in Humboldt County with the same kind of weapon, a pipe,
24 used to kill Radman, opening the door to damaging cross-examination. (ECF No. 107 at 93;
25 ECF No. 210 at 128; see also RT 3936, 4081-82, 4336.)
26

However, the state supreme court could find Counsel reasonably was motivated by the

27 chosen trial defense. The adduced testimony, that Petitioner struck Brown on the head with a
28 metal cheater bar leaving her unconscious and requiring a few stitches, supported his “lack of
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1 intent to kill” defense to the Radman murder charge by explaining why he believed striking
2 Radman with a cheater pipe similarly would result only in unconsciousness. (See e.g., RT 4336.)
3

Additionally, to the extent Petitioner suggests that Counsel unreasonably failed to

4 investigate his prior conviction out of Humboldt County (see ECF No. 210 at 103), the state
5 supreme court reasonably could find insufficient argument and support in the factual record.
6 The state supreme court reasonably could reject the allegation on that basis, for the reasons
7 stated.
8

(3)

Juror Misconduct

9

Petitioner faults counsel for failing to challenge jurors who voiced a security concern

10 relating to Petitioner, that he was too close to the jury box during his guilt phase testimony. (See
11 ECF No. 107 at 98 citing RT 3951-52; ECF No. 210 at 108-09 citing 1SHCP Ex. 34 at ¶ 11.) He
12 argues that Counsel deficiently and prejudicially “failed to investigate or make a motion to
13 question and/or remove the jurors who exhibited their fear of and distaste for [him].” (ECF No.
14 210 at 109.)
15

However, the state supreme court could find Counsel was tactically motivated not to

16 pursue the juror’s concern. The record reflects the jurors’ concern related to Petitioner being
17 within arm’s length of the jury during the single occasion he left the witness box to draw on a
18 chart placed in the courtroom by Counsel. (RT 3983-84.) Counsel, the prosecutor and the trial
19 court were in apparent agreement the matter need not be pursued further. (Id.). Absent any
20 apparent legal or factual basis to question juror impartiality based solely upon a passing question
21 of courtroom security arising from Petitioner’s appearance and status as a capital defendant,
22 Counsel reasonably could have chosen to move on.
23

Especially so as to Petitioner’s personal appearance, given Counsel’s tactical decision to

24 have Petitioner “appear before the jury . . . unkempt with a beard and long hair” as part of a
25 “strategy to make [him] look like he was indeed insane.” (ECF 209 at 60-61.) This Court
26 previously determined that the strategy did not warrant federal habeas relief because “[t]he state
27 supreme court could reasonably have concluded . . . that reasonable counsel might employ such a
28 strategy” in the hope of securing a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. (Id. at 61.)
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1

(4)

Impeachment of Rickey Gibson

2

Petitioner faults counsel’s decision to impeach the testimony of jailhouse informant

3 Rickey Gibson, that Petitioner expressed his intent to kill Radman and Levoy, solely with
4 Petitioner’s guilt phase testimony to the contrary. (See ECF No. 107 at 93-95 citing Claim 11;
5 see ECF No. 210 at 105 citing Claim 11; see also e.g., RT 3729-31.) He argues that Gibson was
6 a mentally ill drug user with serious prior convictions. (ECF No. 107 at 93-95; see also Claim
7 11.) Particularly, he argues Counsel should have impeached Gibson’s testimony admitting to a
8 prior conviction for “accessory to robbery” (RT 3727), with evidence Gibson had been arrested
9 for the more serious crimes of armed robbery and attempted murder in relation to that conviction
10 (ECF No. 107 at 93-94).
11

But as discussed in Claim 11, herein, Gibson was significantly impeached by evidence

12 otherwise in the trial record. For example, the jury was aware that: Gibson admitted to two prior
13 felony convictions; was in prison when Petitioner confessed involvement in the capital crimes;
14 demanded money from the state in exchange for his testimony in Petitioner’s proceeding; and
15 that a bench warrant for his arrest was recalled by the prosecution in exchange for his testimony.
16 To the extent Petitioner suggests s disparity between Gibson’s arrest record and his record of
17 conviction, the state supreme court reasonably could conclude the impeachment value thereof to
18 be minimal, given the presumption of innocence upon arrest. (See Penal Code § 1096.)
19

Additionally, the state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner failed to show on

20 the factual record what additional investigation and discovery of admissible evidence counsel
21 reasonably should have conducted. (See Claim 11, herein.)
22

(5)

Pretrial Motions

23

Petitioner argues Counsel failed properly to prepare and present pretrial motions for

24 change of venue, suppression of evidence from the search of his home, and suppression of his
25 statements to law enforcement. (ECF No. 107 at 76-77, 83, 97-98; ECF No. 210 at 102-06.)
26 However, the state supreme court reasonably could find that Counsel was not deficient as alleged
27 because the noted motions lacked merit, as discussed below.
28

Regarding venue, as noted, the record shows that Counsel filed a motion for change of
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1 venue, alleging therein highly prejudicial newspaper, television, and radio coverage, including
2 false and inadmissible information, that made a fair and impartial trial impossible. (ECF No. 107
3 at 76-77, 232-33; CT 312-318; see also Claim 10, herein.) The motion included and discussed
4 multiple newspaper articles about the crime and Petitioner as well as a defense commissioned
5 public opinion survey. (Id.; see also RT September 6, 1983 at 3-7; CT 312-342; Claim 10,
6 herein.) The state supreme court reasonably could find Counsel was not deficient in these
7 regards, as the motion lacked merit, for the reasons stated. (See Claim 10, herein.)
8

Regarding the search of Petitioner’s backyard, as noted, the record shows Counsel moved

9 to suppress the fruits of the search including the physical evidence found in his backyard. (See
10 CT 296-301, 384-422; see also Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 924; see also Claim 13, herein.) The state
11 supreme court reasonably could find the suppression motion was premised in an adequate
12 investigation and controlling authority, and represented reasonable trial tactics. (See CT 38413 422); see also Strickland, 466 U.S. at 688. Particularly, that court reasonably could find
14 substantial evidence supported the trial court’s decision that Barbara Weaver consented to a
15 search of her yard, discounting on credibility grounds Barbara Weaver’s testimony that her
16 consent was involuntary, for the reasons stated by that court and those discussed above. (See CT
17 419-420); Claim 13, herein; see also Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 924.
18

Barbara Weaver’s suggestion her consent was the result of intimidation arising from the

19 many officers digging in her backyard reasonably appears unsupported by facts that her volition
20 was overcome. (Id.) The facts and circumstances faced by her reasonably could be seen not to
21 rise to the level of coercion by law enforcement. (Id.); see also United States v. Marquez, 503 F.
22 Supp. 3d 1002, 1007 (S.D. Cal. 2020) (citing Schneckloth, 412 U.S. at 227) (a consent to search
23 is valid if the consent was freely and voluntarily given and not the result of duress or coercion,
24 express or implied; whether a consent to a search was in fact voluntary or was the product of
25 duress or coercion, express or implied, is a question of fact to be determined from the totality of
26 all the circumstances). Significantly, the noted record suggests that Barbara Weaver signed the
27 written consent form before officers began digging.
28

Regarding Petitioner’s extrajudicial statements confessing to the capital crimes, the state
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1 supreme court reasonably could have rejected mental state defenses to his Miranda waivers,
2 given the trial court’s credibility findings and the facts underlying those findings, and the
3 detailed nature of Petitioner’s statements of confession including the previously unknown
4 location of the Levoy murder site and remains. (See Claim 14, herein; see also RT 105-108, 121,
5 132-33, 149, 155; CT 162.) Finally, the fact these pretrial motions were denied is not alone a
6 basis to find ineffective assistance of counsel. See Rupe, 93 F.3d at 1445 (the failure to make a
7 futile argument is not alone ineffective assistance of counsel); see also Strickland, 466 U.S. at
8 689 (warning against second-guessing counsel’s tactical decisions through the distorted lens of
9 hindsight).
10

(6)

Pretrial Discovery

11

Petitioner faults counsel for failing to take all appropriate steps to obtain discovery of any

12 and all items to which he was entitled, specifically including the items discussed above in Claim
13 11.
14

However, the state supreme court reasonably could reject the allegation, for the reasons

15 stated. (See Claim 11, herein.) Particularly, Petitioner fails to identify specific psychosocial,
16 institutional, criminal, military, or other records or items to which he was entitled, but lacked
17 possession at trial. (Id.) Also, as noted, the record reflects Counsel’s thirteen (13) item
18 discovery motion (CT 258-265, 267); forty-seven (47) item motion for disclosure of facts, things,
19 and information in the possession, control, or knowledge of the prosecution and law enforcement
20 (CT 437-448); and motion for release of physical evidence to defense expert for independent
21 examination (CT 449-456; see also CT 505-516).
Proffered Rebuttal Testimony of Petitioner’s Mother

22

(7)

23

Petitioner faults Counsel for failing to object to the prosecutor’s offer of proof, in open

24 court, regarding proposed testimony from his mother rebutting his unconsciousness defense, by
25 denying that she ever bit him. (ECF No. 107 at 270; RT 4293-4307.) Petitioner contends that
26 Counsel should have requested the matter be argued in chambers, rather than in open court. (Id.;
27 see Claim 12, herein.) He points to the prosecutor’s statement that he would have argued in
28 chambers if the defense had insisted on it. (RT 4326-27.)
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1

However, the state supreme court reasonably could reject the allegation. The record

2 shows Counsel did object to the prosecutor’s out-of-court comments to the media regarding the
3 mother’s proposed rebuttal testimony, and sought sequestration. (See ECF No. 107 at 269 citing
4 RT 4324-25.) Moreover, the prosecution’s offer of proof, while made in open court, was outside
5 the presence of the jury. (See RT 4293.) The state supreme court reasonably found that any
6 error in admitting the proffer of testimony from prosecution investigator Carol Bender regarding
7 difficulty in serving Petitioner’s mother and her proposed testimony “was manifestly harmless.”
8 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 946.
9
10

(ii)

Prejudice

Petitioner argues that Counsel’s above noted allegedly deficient conduct forced him to

11 stand trial while incompetent and prevented presentation of an adequate defense during the guilt,
12 sanity, and penalty phases of the trial. He argues it is reasonably likely that absent Counsel’s
13 deficient conduct and given the state habeas proffer, the proceeding would have resulted in guilt
14 phase verdicts other than first-degree murder with special circumstances, and/or a not guilty by
15 reason of insanity verdict on one or more Counts, and/or a new trial, and/or reduction of the
16 death sentence to a sentence of life imprisonment without possibility of parole. (ECF No. 107 at
17 88, 99; see also ECF 210 at 102-03, 111-12 (citing Parle v. Runnels, 505 F.3d 922, 927 (9th Cir.
18 2007)) (cumulative effect of multiple errors can violate due process even where no single error
19 rises to the level of a constitutional violation or would independently warrant reversal).
20

The Court observes that:

21
22
23
24
25

To establish prejudice, the defendant must show “a reasonable probability that,
but for counsel’s unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would have
been different. A reasonable probability is a probability sufficient to undermine
confidence in the outcome.” Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694, 104 S.Ct. 2052. To make
this assessment, we “compare the evidence that actually was presented to the jury
with the evidence that might have been presented had counsel acted differently.”
Clark v. Arnold, 769 F.3d 711, 728 (9th Cir. 2014) (quoting Murtishaw v.
Woodford, 255 F.3d 926, 940 (9th Cir. 2001) ).

26
27 Hernandez, 923 F.3d at 551.
28

As to competence to stand trial, the state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner
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1 failed to show preponderating evidence that he was incompetent, and that absent Counsel’s
2 allegedly deficient failure to develop and present trial incompetence the outcome of the
3 proceeding would have been different, for the reasons discussed above. See Simmons, 110 F.3d
4 at 41. It follows that court reasonably could find Petitioner failed to show structural error, and to
5 the extent alleged, prejudice under Strickland. See Walters, 309 F.3d at 593; Strickland, 466
6 U.S. at 694.
7

As to defenses to murder, Petitioner must show a reasonable probability of a different

8 outcome as to both murder theories presented by the prosecution: (i) willful, deliberate, and
9 premeditated murder, and (ii) felony murder with rape as the predicate felony. While the jury
10 was required to find that the killing was willful, deliberate, premeditated, and with malice
11 aforethought under the first theory, it needed only to find that Petitioner had the specific intent to
12 rape under the second theory of felony murder. See Hernandez, 47 Cal. 3d at 346–51.
13

Here, as to premeditated murder, the state supreme court reasonably could find

14 Petitioner’s mental state proffer that he was incapable of forming the necessary mens rea,
15 relatively weak, for the reasons stated. See Clark, 769 F.3d at 728 (quoting Murtishaw, 255 F.3d
16 at 940). Notably, this Court previously found that “Petitioner’s actions over the extended period
17 comprising the capital murders, goal oriented planning and attempts at concealment could all be
18 seen as not reasonably suggestive of diminished capacity” and thus not prejudicial. (ECF No.
19 209 at 53); see also Weaver, 26 Cal.4th at 898-903.
20

As to felony murder-rape, the state supreme court reasonably could Petitioner’s primary

21 criminal purpose was to get rid of Radford and then rape Levoy. The noted evidence in this
22 regard included Radford’s roadside beating near Tehachapi, California, crushing his skull and
23 killing him; Levoy’s body, partially clad in the clothing she wore when she disappeared,
24 discovered eighteen months later buried in a shallow grave, concealed under a structure in
25 Petitioner’s backyard near Oroville, California; Petitioner’s extrajudicial statements to authorities
26 confessing to the capital crimes; and Petitioner’s testimony at trial consistent with his statements
27 to authorities.
28

Petitioner’s further arguments, relating to trial, evidentiary, motion and argumental errors
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1 lack merit for the reasons stated, and thus are not a basis upon which to find prejudice under the
2 Strickland standard.
3

d.

Conclusions

4

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of these Claims was not

5 contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by
6 the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the
7 evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
8

Claims 6 and 7 shall be denied.

9

3.

10

Claim 11

Petitioner alleges Counsel was ineffective by failing to take all appropriate steps to obtain

11 discovery of material exculpatory evidence withheld by the prosecution to which Petitioner was
12 entitled, requiring reversal of his conviction and sentence. (ECF No. 107 at 263; see Claim 11,
13 herein.)
14

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

15

Claim 11 allegations that Counsel was ineffective by failing to discover withheld

16 exculpatory information relevant to impeachment of prosecution witnesses Gibson and Galbraith
17 were raised in the first state habeas petition (Lod. Doc. 7 at 446-55), and summarily denied on
18 the merits (Lod. Doc. 8).
19

Claim 11 allegations that Counsel was ineffective by failing to discover withheld material

20 exculpatory information relevant to impeachment of prosecution witnesses Gibson, Sneed and
21 Galbraith and the prosecutor’s presentation of false testimony were raised in the second state
22 habeas petition (Lod. Doc. 23 at 22-37), and summarily denied on the merits and on procedural
23 grounds (Lod. Doc. 24).
24

b.

Legal Standard

25

The legal standard for ineffective assistance of counsel is set out in section VII, E, 1, b,

26 (ii), herein.
27

c.

Analysis

28

Petitioner argues Counsel was ineffective by failing to discover material exculpable
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1 evidence, withheld by the prosecution, relevant to impeaching jailhouse informants and penalty
2 phase witnesses and demonstrating their false testimony.
3

(i)

Deficient Conduct

4

Petitioner argues Counsel was ineffective by failing to discover prosecution withheld

5 “evidence of the criminal and mental health histories of the witnesses, evidence that one of the
6 penalty phase witnesses was hypnotized, and evidence that the prosecution secured witness
7 statements by promising benefits such as monetary payments or freedom from prosecution to the
8 witnesses.” (ECF No. 107 at 239.) He revisits the factual predicate discussed above in the
9 context of claimed prosecutorial misconduct, summarized below. (See Claim 11, ante.)
10

The record reflects Counsel’s multiple motions for pretrial discovery and disclosure by

11 the prosecution and law enforcement. Counsel filed a thirteen (13) item pretrial discovery
12 motion for items and information including felony convictions of any trial witnesses. (CT 25813 267.) Counsel filed a forty-seven (47) item motion for pretrial disclosure of exonerating and
14 impeaching facts, things, and information in the possession, control, or knowledge of the
15 prosecution and law enforcement including, as to prosecution witnesses: felony criminal histories
16 and background information, leniency grants, deals and inducements to testify, and probation
17 status/records. (CT 437-448.) Counsel filed a motion for release of physical evidence to defense
18 expert for independent examination. (CT 449-456.) The trial court granted this discovery and
19 disclosure, subject to certain modifications. (CT 471.)
20

(A)

Impeachment of Jailhouse Informant Rickey Gibson

21

Petitioner argues Counsel failed to discover evidence the prosecution promised benefits

22 such as monetary payments or freedom to Gibson in exchange for his testimony. (ECF No. 107
23 at 239.) He argues Counsel failed to discover that the prosecution, subsequent to its rejection of
24 Gibson’s 1982 requests that he be placed in witness protection and paid for his testimony in
25 Petitioner’s proceeding (see ECF No. 107 at 244-48 citing RT 3770), was involved in Gibson’s
26 1984 placement in a witness protection program that paid living expenses, and repeatedly
27 interceded on Gibson’s behalf, helping him avoid criminal charges and extradition and
28 facilitating release on probation. (See id.; see also Claim 11, herein.) He argues the significant
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1 impeachment value of this evidence given Gibson’s contrary testimony he was motivated solely
2 as a “good samaritan” (RT 3745) and that he faced danger by testifying against Petitioner (RT
3 3764-69, 4339-50).
4

But Gibson recanted his initial testimony wherein he denied seeking personal gain from

5 this testimony (see RT 3743-45, 4349-50), later admitting he requested, and the prosecution
6 denied money in exchange for testimony (id., RT 3770). Petitioner also failed to demonstrate
7 that Gibson, in 1984, was ineligible for placement in a witness protection program after being
8 shot at in Los Angeles, or that such placement was other than consistent with Gibson’s testimony
9 he was endangered by assisting the prosecution’s case against Petitioner.
10

Petitioner argues Counsel failed to discover prosecution withheld impeaching evidence of

11 Gibson’s criminal history. (ECF No. 107 at 240-41.) He argues that as a result, Gibson testified
12 falsely by understating the nature and extent of his prior felony convictions (see Claim 11, ante;
13 see also ECF No. 107 at 241-43 citing RT 3727, 3733; CT 187-88; ECF No. 210 at 151-52 citing
14 2SHCP Ex. 5 at 19, Ex. 6 at 35-36, Ex. 7 at 38-40), and by stating that he was then out of prison
15 and not on parole (see ECF No. 107 at 244, citing RT 3762).
16

However, Gibson testified that he had been convicted of multiple felonies. (RT 3733-

17 34.) He told the jury that he elicited Petitioner’s confession while both were incarcerated in a
18 correctional mental hospital, in order to turn such information over the authorities. (RT 3727,
19 3738, 3743-50.) To the extent Petitioner suggests Gibson may have been motivated to testify out
20 of fear his parole might be revoked and that he would be returned to prison, where he allegedly
21 feared being killed (RT 3769), the jury was aware that Gibson was testifying under the specter
22 of a bench warrant and the threat of again being incarcerated. (See RT 3743-50, 3762-70, 434923 50; see also CT 1024, 1328.)
24

Petitioner argues that Counsel failed to discover prosecution withheld evidence that

25 Gibson, contrary to his testimony, had a history of informing on inmates in order to curry favor
26 with authorities. (ECF No. 107 at 243 citing RT 3738.) But petitioner does not point to facts in
27 the state record that Gibson previously purposefully elicited information from fellow inmates in
28 order to turn that information over to authorities, as he did in this case. (See Claim 11, herein;
258

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1 see also RT 3743-50, 3762-70, 4349-50; CT 1024, 1328.)
2

Petitioner argues that Counsel failed to discover prosecution withheld evidence that at the

3 time of Petitioner’s alleged confession to Gibson, the latter was experiencing severe psychiatric
4 symptoms impacting his ability to accurately perceive and relate what was said. (ECF No. 107 at
5 248; see also 2SHCP, Ex. 2 at 2-4; Ex. 3 at 5-7, Ex. 4 at 8-10; ECF No. 107 at 241.) He
6 suggests that Gibson was life-long abuser of substances including marijuana, methamphetamine,
7 and alcohol (see e.g., 2SHCP Ex. 8 at 44), was repeatedly institutionalized in psychiatric clinics
8 and hospitals starting in his early teens (see ECF No. 210 at 151-52 citing 2SHCP Ex.’s 2, 3),
9 and had been placed at the California Medical Facility at Vacaville where he met Petitioner, for
10 psychiatric observation and mental health treatment (see ECF No. 107 at 248-49, citing RT
11 3758). He suggests that while at Vacaville, Gibson tried to kill himself (ECF No. 107 at 249;
12 CITE), and that staff there diagnosed him with a “schizotypal personality” and “antisocial
13 personality disorder.” (ECF No. 107 at 249-50.) He suggests that Gibson was medicated with
14 the antipsychotic Mellaril at the time he interacted with Petitioner. (Id., citing 2SHCP Ex. 8 at
15 44.)
16

However, as discussed above, the state supreme court reasonably could find only scant

17 support for these allegations in the state evidentiary record, which suggests only Gibson had a
18 history of mental disturbance and intravenous drug use and on occasion was briefly incarcerated
19 at state mental hospitals in California and Massachusetts. (2SHCP Ex.’s 2-8.) Notably, Gibson
20 testified he was not taking medication at Vacaville state hospital. (RT 3758.)
21

Additionally, the state supreme court reasonably could find Gibson’s credibility was

22 otherwise supported in the evidentiary record. Gibson testified to statements about the capital
23 crimes made to him by Petitioner, in the Vacaville California state mental facility, more than two
24 years before Petitioner’s capital proceeding. (See RT 3727-49, 3758.) Gibson’s statements and
25 testimony included facts apparently known only to law enforcement and the killer. (RT 3728,
26 3727-58.)
27

(B)

Impeachment of David Galbraith

28

Petitioner argues Counsel failed to discover impeaching evidence of Galbraith’s complete
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1 psychosocial and criminal history. (ECF No. 107 at 251-56; ECF No. 210 at 152-54.) He argues
2 that contrary to the prosecutor’s representation during trial, that he did not have Galbraith’s
3 Washington state rap sheet (RT 6858-60), the prosecutor had requested and obtained Galbraith’s
4 September 10, 1984 rap sheet showing: (i) multiple juvenile cases relating to theft, drugs and
5 running away from home, (ii) sex offenses in addition to his activities with DeLong, his
6 underage co-victim in the Ventura proceeding, and (iii) multiple burglary convictions. (See ECF
7 No. 107 at 252-53; 2SHCP Ex. 10 at 80-85, Ex. 11 at 140-46.)
8

Petitioner argues the undisclosed evidence also would have shown Galbraith falsified a

9 monthly probation report and repeatedly violated his probation. (ECF No. 107 at 253-54; see
10 also 2SHCP Ex. 10 at 96-98, 105-06.)
11

However, the state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner offered only his

12 surmise that Counsel was unaware of Galbraith’s material criminal history.
13 Claims 6, 7, and 11, herein.)

(See generally

As discussed above, Counsel conceded during Petitioner’s

14 arraignment that the prosecutor handed him a 2-inch thick file from the Ventura proceeding. (CT
15 382.)

Petitioner does not point to facts in the state record supporting his allegation the

16 prosecutor possessed the noted version of rap sheet prior to trial.
17

Moreover, Galbraith himself testified to his multiple felonies including five or six

18 burglary and narcotic offenses, and to his current incarceration. (RT 6861-63, 6877, 6883.)
19 Galbraith also testified to his sexual activity with then sixteen-year-old DeLong (RT 6879; see
20 also 6906); the prosecution’s agreement to pay him $120 in inmate wages lost due to his
21 testimony in Petitioner’s proceeding (RT 6875-76); and the prosecution’s agreement to apprise
22 Washington state parole and prosecuting authorities of Galbraith’s cooperation in Petitioner’s
23 proceeding (id.).
24

Furthermore, the record reflects that out of the presence of the jury, the prosecutor told

25 Counsel and the trial court that Galbraith was in custody in Washington state on a parole
26 violation and a pending burglary charge (RT 6858-60); he did not have a rap sheet on Galbraith
27 because it would be out of Washington state and he did not request one (id.); Galbraith had five
28 or six impeachable felony convictions for burglary, theft or drug offenses, (id.); Washington state
260

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1 parole and prosecuting authorities would consider Galbraith’s assistance in this case with a view
2 toward possible concessions (id.); the Kern County District Attorney would reimburse Galbraith
3 $120 for inmate work pay he would miss while in California waiting to testify in this case (id.);
4 and the trial court would inform the Washington state parole board of Galbraith’s testimony in
5 this case with a view toward protective custody (id.).
6

To the extent Petitioner argues Counsel failed to discover undisclosed evidence that

7 would have shown Galbraith suffered behavioral issues, mental impairments, and substance
8 abuse, exacerbated by injuries suffered when Petitioner’s accomplice in the Ventura crimes,
9 Jerry Daniels, shot Galbraith in the head leaving him with hearing loss and memory lapses, the
10 state supreme court reasonably could find no more than minimal impeachment value. (See ECF
11 No. 107 at 253-54; see also 2SHCP Ex. 10 at 82-84.) As noted, Counsel was aware Galbraith
12 exhibited certain behavioral and drug related issues. Moreover, the state record suggests
13 Galbraith tested to an IQ of 120. (Id.) Galbraith’s testimony in Petitioner’s proceeding appeared
14 coherent, cogent, and grounded in the factual record (RT 6861-92), and in the main was
15 corroborated by his co-victim in the Ventura crimes, DeLong (RT 6893-6921).
16

Petitioner argues the undisclosed evidence would have shown that Galbraith was

17 disqualified from testifying in the Ventura County proceeding because authorities there had him
18 hypnotized prior to his testimony. (ECF No. 107 at 254-55 citing Shirley, 31 Cal. 3d at 18,
19 Guerra, 37 Cal. 3d 385 (1984); see also ECF No. 210 at 153 citing 1SHCP Ex.’s 34, 129.) But
20 as Petitioner concedes, this Court, in its prior denial of Claims 8 and 9, concluded the
21 impeachment value of evidence of hypnosis was minimal. (See ECF No. 210 at 54 n.30 citing
22 ECF No. 230 at 73-74; see also Claim 11, herein; ECF No. 209 at 74.)
23

Petitioner argues the undisclosed evidence would have shown that Galbraith, in the

24 Ventura proceeding, colluded with a jailhouse informant James Prizzi, who provided testimony
25 of Petitioner’s confessed intention to kill Galbraith and DeLong. (ECF No. 107 at 255-56.) But
26 Petitioner supports the allegation only with the unspecified contents of an alleged inmate “kite”
27 passed between Galbraith and Prizzi. (ECF No. 107 at 255-56.) Moreover, to the extent the
28 “kite” was included in the Ventura County materials received by the prosecutor, all such
261

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1 materials were provided to Counsel. (RT 6969.)
2

Additionally, Galbraith’s credibility otherwise found support in the evidentiary record.

3 Galbraith testified in Petitioner’s proceeding as a victim in Petitioner’s crimes in Ventura County
4 which included the attempted murder of Galbraith and the kidnap and rape of Galbraith’s
5 girlfriend, Delong. (See RT 6872-92; see also ECF No. 209 at 74-76.) As noted, Galbraith’s
6 testimony was corroborated by Delong’s testimony in Petitioner’s proceeding. (See RT 68937 6921.)
8

(C)

Impeachment of Cecil Sneed

9

Petitioner argues that Counsel failed to discover evidence impeaching sanity phase

10 witness and jailhouse informant Sneed, whose testimony discounted that of other inmates
11 regarding alleged dissociative behavior of Petitioner in the Lerdo Jail facility. (ECF No. 107 at
12 256-57 citing RT 6521-28; see also 2SHCP Ex.’s 12-13.)
13

Petitioner argues the undiscovered evidence would have shown Sneed suffered

14 intellectual limitations and poor mental health (ECF No. 107 at 257-58 citing 2SHCP Ex. 15 at
15 319), including evidence of Sneed’s multiple arrests for alcohol-related offenses and his inability
16 to read and write. (ECF No. 107 at 257-58 citing 2SHCP Ex. 15 at 319.) He argues the
17 undiscovered evidence would have shown the prosecution provided undisclosed assistance in
18 resolving Sneed’s parole violation on a grand larceny count out of Oklahoma (ECF No. 107 at
19 256-57 citing 2SHCP Ex. 14 at 302; see also ECF No. 210 at 154 citing 2SHCP Ex.’s 12-15), as
20 well as monetary assistance (cf. ECF No. 107 at 256 citing RT 6525, 6531).
21

Still, the record reflects that prior to Sneed’s testimony, the prosecutor stated on the

22 record that he had provided Sneed’s rap sheet to the defense which included felony convictions.
23 (RT 6512-15.) The prosecutor also stated that as a condition of his testimony, Sneed’s sentence
24 would be modified to time served and he would be given up to $150 for transportation to leave
25 the area. (Id.) Counsel acknowledged receipt of Sneed’s rap sheet showing an extensive
26 criminal history going back over 25 years including charges of embezzlement and a conviction
27 for burglary both out of Oklahoma, and questioned Sneed about his rap sheet and criminal
28 history outside the jury’s presence, such that ultimately the parties agreed Sneed’s 1974 burglary
262

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1 conviction and 1983 auto theft conviction and the escape charge on which he was then in custody
2 would be available for presentation to the jury. (RT 6518.)
3

Moreover, Sneed testified that he was then incarcerated in the Lerdo Jail facility (RT

4 6522-23), and that he agreed to testify against Petitioner in exchange for his release from custody
5 for time served on his one year sentence (RT 6525) and a bus ticket (RT 6531). Petitioner’s
6 suggestion Sneed received assistance in resolving violation of parole on his 1983 Oklahoma
7 conviction relating to theft of a rental vehicle is only thinly supported in the state record. (See
8 e.g., 2SHCP Ex. 14 at 302.) Sneed also admitted from the stand his convictions for burglary and
9 grand theft auto. (RT 6534.)
10

Sneed testified that he could not read. (RT 6532; see also RT 6579.) Petitioner does not

11 otherwise identify in the state record, with any sufficient degree of specificity, undisclosed
12 mental state evidence relating to Sneed.
13

Sneed conceded during cross-examination that prior to trial he was interviewed by and

14 told Counsel that he would testify for Petitioner, and that Petitioner talked to imaginary people.
15 (RT 6526-27, 6533.) Sneed’s testimony also was countered by that of fellow Lerdo jail inmates.
16 (RT 5716-18, 5723-25, 6573, 6580-83.)
17

Furthermore, as noted, Petitioner concedes that the Court, in its prior denial of Claims 8

18 and 9, concluded that Sneed’s testimony was significantly impeached even without this
19 additional information, which the Court found of “little evidentiary value.” (See ECF No. 209 at
20 39-40; ECF No. 210 at 154 n.31.)
21

(D)

Other Material Exculpatory Evidence

22

Petitioner argues Counsel failed to discover evidence that would have shown his alleged

23 incompetence to stand trial. Particularly, he points to evidence the prosecutor knew of
24 statements Petitioner made during breaks in the sanity phase trial suggesting he had difficulty
25 understanding expert testimony and had to ask Counsel for help (ECF No. 107 at 258); and
26 evidence that he was confused as to current events unrelated to his trial. (Id.) He also points to
27 undiscovered prosecution evidence of Petitioner’s truck driving records and timecard s relevant to
28 alleged amphetamine abuse and a potential “speed psychosis” defense. (ECF No. 107 at 258263

Case 1:02-cv-05583-AWI-SAB Document 221 Filed 09/20/21 Page 264 of 342

1 62.)
2

However, Counsel independently was aware that Petitioner had difficulty understanding

3 the sanity phase expert testimony; Second Counsel acknowledged as much on the record. (See
4 Claim 4, herein; see also RT 4857-58.) Moreover, the issue of Petitioner’s competence to stand
5 trial and expert opinion thereon was extensively litigated. (See Claims 3, 4, herein.) Anecdotal
6 evidence of Petitioner’s noted confusion regarding current events, even if admissible, reasonably
7 appears no more than innocuous. (See Id.) As to Petitioner’s alleged use of amphetamines
8 while working as a truck driver, Petitioner himself testified during the guilt phase to his
9 continuous use of “speed” over his one and one-half years as a truck driver preceding the capital
10 crimes and that his employer at the time of the capital crimes, Bellegante Trucking, was aware he
11 used “speed.” (RT 4072-74.)
12

Petitioner also argues that Counsel failed to discover evidence that his co-perpetrator in

13 the Ventura County proceeding, Jerry Daniels, was mentally ill and claimed responsibility for the
14 attempted murder of Galbraith. (ECF No. 107 at 260-61.) However, at the penalty phase, co15 victims Galbraith and DeLong testified in detail to Petitioner’s role in the crimes against them.
16 (See RT 6867-76; 6891-92; 6895-06.) Moreover, the Court previously denied Petitioner’s
17 claimed ineffective assistance of counsel at the sanity and penalty phases. (See ECF No. 209 at
18 1-2.)
19

(ii)

Prejudice

20

Petitioner argues that absent Counsel’s above allegedly deficient conduct, there is a

21 reasonable probability of a different outcome at trial, requiring reversal of his conviction and
22 death judgment. (ECF No. 107 at 263.)
23
24
25
26
27

To establish prejudice, the defendant must show “a reasonable probability that,
but for counsel’s unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would have
been different. A reasonable probability is a probability sufficient to undermine
confidence in the outcome.” Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694, 104 S.Ct. 2052. To make
this assessment, we “compare the evidence that actually was presented to the jury
with the evidence that might have been presented had counsel acted differently.”
Clark v. Arnold, 769 F.3d 711, 728 (9th Cir. 2014) (quoting Murtishaw v.
Woodford, 255 F.3d 926, 940 (9th Cir. 2001)).

28
264

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1 Hernandez, 923 F.3d at 551.
2

Here, the state supreme court reasonably could find the allegedly deficient conduct was

3 not prejudicial under the Strickland standard as to the murder theories presented by the
4 prosecution, i.e. (1) willful, deliberate, and premeditated murder, and (2) felony murder with
5 rape as the predicate felony. While the jury was required to find that the killing was willful,
6 deliberate, premeditated, and with malice aforethought under the first theory, it needed only to
7 find that Petitioner had the specific intent to rape under the second theory of felony murder. See
8 Hernandez, 47 Cal. 3d at 346–51. Moreover, the allegedly undiscovered exonerating and
9 impeaching guilt phase evidence, considered cumulatively and in the context of the entire record,
10 did not raise a reasonable probability of a more favorable outcome, for the reasons stated. See
11 Strickland, 466 U.S. at 693-95.
12

d.

Conclusions

13

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of Claim 11 as ineffective

14 assistance of counsel was not contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established
15 federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable determination of
16 the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
17

Claim 11 allegations of ineffective assistance of counsel shall be denied.

18

4.

19

Petitioner alleges that Counsel was ineffective at the close of the guilt phase by failing to

Claim 12

20 object to the prosecutor’s open court proffer of his mother’s testimony and by failing to request
21 the matter be argued in chambers, violating his rights under the Fifth, Sixth, Eight and
22 Fourteenth Amendments. (ECF No. 107 at 270.)
23

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

24

The Claim 12 allegation that Counsel was ineffective by failing to object to the

25 prosecutor’s offer of proof of Petitioner’s mother’s testimony in open court and instead request it
26 be argued in chambers, was presented to the California Supreme Court in Petitioner’s second
27 state habeas petition (Lod. Doc. 23 at 38-60), and summarily denied on the merits, and on
28 procedural grounds (Lod. Doc. 24).
265

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1

b.

Legal Standard

2

The legal standard for ineffective assistance of counsel is set out in section VII, E, 1, b,

3 (ii), herein.
4

c.

Analysis

5

Petitioner argues Counsel was ineffective at the guilt phase closing by allowing the

6 prosecutor to discuss, in open court, his comments to the media relating to proposed rebuttal
7 testimony by Petitioner’s mother regarding his unconsciousness defense. (See ECF No. 107 at
8 268-70; see also Claim 12, ante, discussing the factual predicate in the context of claimed trial
9 court error and prosecutorial misconduct; RT 4324-27.)
10

(i)

11

Petitioner argues Counsel unreasonably failed to object to the prosecutor’s proffer

Deficient Conduct

12 regarding proposed guilt phase testimony from Petitioner’s mother as to whether she ever bit him
13 as a childhood disciplinary measure. (RT 4324-27.) He also argues Counsel unreasonably failed
14 to request the matter be argued in chambers; something to which the prosecutor was agreeable.
15 (Id.)
16

However, the state supreme court reasonably could reject these arguments. As the trial

17 court observed in denying Counsel’s related motion for jury sequestration (see Claim 24), the
18 substance of the prosecutor’s statements to the media regarding the mother’s proposed testimony
19 already was in the public record (see RT 4326-27).
20

Moreover, while Counsel did not request an in camera hearing on the proffer of the

21 mother’s proposed testimony, Counsel did object to the proffer itself and the trial court overruled
22 the objection following its observation that the proffer could not be prejudicial because the jury
23 was not present for the proffer. (RT 4293-95, 4326.) Counsel reasonably could have determined
24 not to follow the unsuccessful objection by asserting the same grounds as a basis for an in
25 camera session. See Rupe, 93 F.3d at 1445 (the failure to make a futile argument is not alone
26 ineffective assistance of counsel); see also Strickland, 466 U.S. at 689 (warning against second27 guessing counsel’s tactical decisions through the distorted lens of hindsight).
28
266

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1

(ii)

2

Petitioner argues that absent Counsel’s allegedly deficient acts and omissions, there is a

Prejudice

3 reasonable probability of a more favorable guilt and penalty phase outcome, requiring reversal of
4 his conviction and death judgment. As noted above:
5
6
7
8
9

To establish prejudice, the defendant must show “a reasonable probability that,
but for counsel’s unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would have
been different. A reasonable probability is a probability sufficient to undermine
confidence in the outcome.” Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694, 104 S.Ct. 2052. To make
this assessment, we “compare the evidence that actually was presented to the jury
with the evidence that might have been presented had counsel acted differently.”
Clark v. Arnold, 769 F.3d 711, 728 (9th Cir. 2014) (quoting Murtishaw v.
Woodford, 255 F.3d 926, 940 (9th Cir. 2001) ).

10
11 Hernandez, 923 F.3d at 551.
12

Here, the state supreme court reasonably could find the allegedly deficient conduct was

13 not prejudicial under the Strickland standard as to the murder theories presented by the
14 prosecution, i.e. (1) willful, deliberate, and premeditated murder, and (2) felony murder with
15 rape as the predicate felony. As noted, the jury was not exposed to the prosecutor’s offer of
16 proof regarding the proposed rebuttal testimony of Petitioner’s mother. Also, Petitioner does not
17 make a factual showing that the mother’s proposed rebuttal testimony materially would have
18 rebutted Petitioner’s testimony relating to his unconsciousness defense and alleged reaction to
19 being bitten. For example, Petitioner’s first wife, Patricia Budrow, testified to Petitioner’s
20 reaction to being bitten. (See RT 3891-94.)
21

Additionally, the state supreme court reasonably could find the noted weight of the expert

22 opinion at trial not to support guilt phase mental state defenses, for the reasons stated. (See
23 Claims 3, 4, 5, herein.)
24

d.

Conclusions

25

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of Claim 12 allegations of

26 ineffective assistance of counsel was not contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly
27 established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable
28 determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28
267

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1 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
2

Claim 12 allegations of ineffective assistance of counsel shall be denied.

3

5.

4

Petitioner alleges that Counsel was ineffective by inadequately motioning to suppress

Claim 13

5 physical evidence of Levoy’s body found buried in his backyard that was seized without warrant
6 or voluntary consent, and the fruits thereof including his confession, violating his rights under
7 the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments. (ECF No. 107 at 76, 282-85.)
8

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

9

The Claim was presented to the California Supreme Court on direct appeal (Lod. Doc. 1

10 at 133-37), and denied on the merits, and on procedural grounds as follows:
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21

Defendant further contends his suppression motion should have been granted
because Barbara Weaver's consent to the search was involuntary. We agree with
respondent that defendant did not preserve this issue for appeal. A claim based on
the voluntariness of Barbara Weaver's consent appears nowhere in defendant's
moving papers, defense counsel's oral argument at the suppression hearing, or in
the trial court's oral decision. The issue is thus not properly before us. (People v.
Bradford, supra, 14 Cal.4th at p. 1038.)
Assuming the issue was preserved, we reject it on the merits. Six or seven officers
presented themselves at Barbara Weaver's home (Sergeants Davis and Johnson, as
well as four or five other officers who were there to dig), and defendant suggests
they were an intimidating force. Although the state has the burden of proving that
Barbara Weaver's “consent was ... freely and voluntarily given,” and the “burden
cannot be discharged by showing no more than acquiescence to a claim of lawful
authority” (Bumper v. North Carolina (1968) 391 U.S. 543, 548-549 [88 S.Ct.
1788, 1792, 20 L.Ed.2d 797]), the prosecution satisfied this burden with evidence
of Barbara Weaver's signed consent form and her testimony that she freely
consented to a search of her house. Nothing in this record suggests Barbara
Weaver's free will was overborne by the searching officers. We thus reject
defendant's claim that her consent to search the yard was involuntary.

22
23 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 924.
24

b.

Legal Standard

25

The legal standard for ineffective assistance of counsel is set out in section VII , E, 1, b,

26 (ii), herein.
27

The legal standard for Fourth Amendment claims in federal habeas is set out in section

28 VII, B, 3, b, (ii), herein.
268

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1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28

c.

Analysis

Petitioner argues Counsel was ineffective by failing to understand the scope of the
motion to suppress evidence seized from the backyard of his home by law enforcement officers
acting without benefit of a warrant and while acting outside the scope of a narrowly drawn and
involuntary consent, and the fruits thereof, and by failing to bring controlling law to the trial
court’s attention, whereupon the motion was denied. (ECF No. 107 at 282-84; ECF No. 210 at
162; CT 296-301, 344; see also Claims 6, 13, herein.)
(i)

Deficient Conduct

Petitioner argues Counsel failed to research and assert the involuntariness of the consent
to search allegedly given by his then wife, Barbara Weaver. He also argues his extrajudicial
statements at San Quentin to Kern County Sergeants Davis and Johnson should be suppressed as
fruit of the unlawful search of his backyard. Particularly, he argues Counsel failed to provide the
trial court with legal authority defining “voluntary consent” including the then prevailing
standard that included consideration of the number of law enforcement officers present when the
consent was given. (ECF No. 107 at 284.)
However, the state supreme court reasonably found that on the totality of the
circumstances before it, Barbara Weaver freely consented to the backyard search and that her
free will was not overborne by the searching officers. See Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 922–25.
As discussed above, when the subject of a search is not in custody, the state must show
voluntary consent; voluntariness being a question of fact to be determined from all the
circumstances. Schnecklothe, 412 U.S. at 227; see also United States v. Escobar, 309 F. Supp.
3d 778, 784 (N.D. Cal. 2018) (citing Jimeno, 500 U.S. at 251 (the standard for measuring the
scope of consent under the Fourth Amendment is that of objective reasonableness).
The determination whether consent to search is voluntary considers the need for the
search and the requirement there be no express or implied coercion. Schneckloth, 412 U.S. at
227. In determining whether consent is “free and voluntary” rather than the result of coercion or
duress, the Ninth Circuit considers factors such as whether compliance was sought versus
ordered; any efforts to mislead; number of officers present; day search versus night search; and
269

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1 the maturity and emotional condition of the person giving consent.

Alexander, 2013 WL

2 1821101 at *6 (N.D. Cal. Apr. 30, 2013) (citing Brown, 563 F.3d at 415); see also Sierra–
3 Hernandez, 581 F.2d at 764 (the number of officers present is an element contributing to the
4 totality of circumstances reviewed to determine whether consent was freely and voluntarily
5 given).
6

Here, the state supreme court reasonably could find Barbara’s Weaver’s consent was not

7 coerced by any implied threat or covert force. Schneckloth, 412 U.S. at 228. Nothing in the
8 record suggests the officers required compliance, misled Barbara Weaver in order to gain her
9 consent, conducted a nighttime search, or that her maturity and emotional state played a role in
10 the consent given. While Petitioner suggests Barbara Weaver was intimidated by the number of
11 searching officers, he raises the suggestion only in the context of Barbara’s alleged belief they
12 were exceeding the limited scope of her consent; scope limitations the state supreme court
13 reasonably rejected on credibility grounds, for the reasons stated. (See CT 101-102, 180, 40314 421; Claims 6, 13, herein; see also Yerger, 12 F.3d at *3 (the objectively reasonable standard
15 includes an analysis of whether the suspect reasonably understood her consent to extend to the
16 search conducted).
17

Notably, Barbara Weaver did not raise intimidation as to the voluntariness of her consent

18 ab initio. Barbara Weaver never testified that she consented to the search because she was
19 coerced by the searching officers to do so. (See CT 401-420.) Nor are there facts in the record
20 reasonably suggesting such coercion, or even that at the time of oral and written consent, Barbara
21 Weaver was aware of and considered the number of searching officers. Rather, she confirmed
22 the officers did not threaten her, or show weapons, or do anything to make her afraid. (CT 40723 408.) Nor did she tell the officers that she was afraid. (Id.)
24

Accordingly, the state supreme court could find Counsel reasonably investigated,

25 developed, and presented the motion to suppress the fruits of the backyard search including the
26 physical evidence found in his backyard, and that Counsel was not deficient by failing to
27 supplement that motion with argument that any oral consent given by Petitioner’s wife Barbara
28 was involuntary. (See Claim 6, Claim 13, herein; CT 296-301, 384-421; Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at
270

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1 924; see also Strickland, 466 U.S. at 688. The fact the suppression motion was denied is not
2 alone a basis to find counsel was deficient. See Rupe, 93 F.3d at 1445 (the failure to make a
3 futile argument is not alone ineffective assistance of counsel); see also Strickland, 466 U.S. at
4 689 (warning against second-guessing counsel’s tactical decisions through the distorted lens of
5 hindsight).
6

Additionally, the state supreme court reasonably could find Counsel was not deficient

7 regarding admission of Petitioner’s related extrajudicial confession, for the reasons stated. (See
8 Claim 14, post; see also CT 472-479; RT 3794-3801.) Also, Petitioner has not demonstrated on
9 the factual record that he was aware Levoy’s body had been found at the time he confessed, and
10 that the confession was a fruit of the backyard search. The record could suggest otherwise. (See
11 CT 384-385, but cf. id. at 389.)
12

(ii)

Prejudice

13

Petitioner argues that absent Counsel’s allegedly deficient conduct and the resultant

14 evidence wrongfully admitted against him, he would not have been convicted or subjected to the
15 death penalty absent (ECF No. 107 at 285.) The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has observed
16 that:
17
18
19
20
21

To establish prejudice, the defendant must show “a reasonable probability that,
but for counsel’s unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would have
been different. A reasonable probability is a probability sufficient to undermine
confidence in the outcome.” Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694, 104 S.Ct. 2052. To make
this assessment, we “compare the evidence that actually was presented to the jury
with the evidence that might have been presented had counsel acted differently.”
Clark v. Arnold, 769 F.3d 711, 728 (9th Cir. 2014) (quoting Murtishaw v.
Woodford, 255 F.3d 926, 940 (9th Cir. 2001) ).

22
23 Hernandez, 923 F.3d at 551.
24

Here, the state supreme court reasonably could find the allegedly deficient conduct was

25 not prejudicial under the Strickland standard as to the murder theories presented by the
26 prosecution, i.e. (1) willful, deliberate, and premeditated murder, and (2) felony murder with
27 rape as the predicate felony. As noted, Petitioner has not shown he was denied a full and fair
28 opportunity to litigate the Fourth Amendment issue at the suppression hearing pursuant to Penal
271

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1 Code section 1538.5. Petitioner is not entitled to federal habeas relief on this ground. See Stone,
2 428 U.S. at 481-82; Moormann, 426 F.3d at 1053.
3

Additionally, the state supreme court reasonably could find the noted weight of the expert

4 opinion at trial not to support guilt phase mental state defenses, for the reasons stated. (See
5 Claims 3, 4, 5, herein.)
6

d.

Conclusions

7

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of Claim 13 allegations of

8 ineffective assistance of counsel was not contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly
9 established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable
10 determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28
11 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
12

Claim 13 allegations of ineffective assistance of counsel shall be denied.

13

6.

14

Petitioner alleges that Counsel was ineffective at voir dire by failing to request that

Claim 15

15 prospective jurors be admonished not to discuss, investigate, or form an opinion as to Petitioner’s
16 case, and by failing to object to the trial court’s failure to so admonish prospective jurors. (ECF
17 No. 107 at 38, 292-93; ECF No. 210 at 168.)
18

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

19

The Claim was presented to the California Supreme Court on direct appeal (Lod. Doc. 1

20 at 84-93), and denied on the merits, and in part on procedural grounds, as follows:
21

27

In preliminary proceedings, the court organized the jury pool into groups, telling
certain prospective jurors to return for voir dire after lunch, while assigning others
future times and days in which they were to return to court for voir dire. Before
the latter jurors left the courtroom, the trial court did not admonish them against
discussing the case, reading or listening to media accounts, or visiting the scene of
the crimes. Defendant acknowledges that the statutory requirement that jurors be
admonished (§ 1122) applies only after a jury is sworn and thus does not
expressly apply to this preliminary period in the jury selection process. (People v.
Horton (1995) 11 Cal.4th 1068, 1094 [47 Cal.Rptr.2d 516, 906 P.2d 478].)
Nevertheless, he contends the trial court's failure to admonish the jury violated his
federal constitutional rights to a fair trial, an impartial jury, and a reliable guilt
and penalty verdict, as well as his analogous rights under the state Constitution.

28

We have explained that “the giving of the admonition to prospective jurors during

22
23
24
25
26

272

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1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17

the voir dire process constitutes a sound judicial practice” (People v. Horton,
supra, 11 Cal.4th at p. 1094), but that failure to do so does not constitute error.
Because our Horton opinion makes no mention of whether we considered all the
constitutional bases defendant now asserts, Horton does not fully dispose of
defendant's claim. We nevertheless find three reasons why the claim is meritless.
First, defendant failed to object or call the trial court's attention to the lack of an
admonishment. The issue is thus forfeited on appeal. (Cf. People v. Heishman
(1988) 45 Cal.3d 147, 175 [246 Cal.Rptr. 673, 753 P.2d 629] [where § 1122
applies, a timely objection is necessary].) Second, even assuming the issue were
preserved for appeal, we are unaware of any constitutional requirement that our
trial courts admonish prospective jurors so far in advance of a trial. Certainly,
defendant does not cite any authority to that effect.
Third, any prospective jurors who discuss the case, form opinions, view the crime
scene, or do legal research can be discovered during the voir dire process and be
either excused or rehabilitated at that time. Although defendant directs our
attention to a few jurors who may have acquainted themselves with the law after
being notified they might be chosen for the jury, he fails to explain why his right
to a fair trial and an impartial jury could not be protected by rehabilitating those
jurors or excusing them for cause or peremptorily if they could not be
rehabilitated. He thus fails to show prejudice. (People v. Heishman, supra, 45
Cal.3d at p. 175.) Defendant's ability to strike such jurors also protects his rights
under both the state and federal Constitutions to a reliable verdict.
Defendant also contends his trial attorney provided ineffective assistance of
counsel by failing to ask the court to admonish the prospective jurors. He claims
his counsel could have had no conceivable tactical reason for the omission. Even
assuming that to be true, defendant fails to demonstrate how he was prejudiced.
Accordingly, he does not show his trial attorney was constitutionally ineffective
under either the state or federal Constitution. (In re Sixto (1989) 48 Cal.3d 1247,
1257 [259 Cal.Rptr. 491, 774 P.2d 164]; Strickland v. Washington (1984) 466
U.S. 668, 691-692 [104 S.Ct. 2052, 2066-2067, 80 L.Ed.2d 674].)

18 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 908–09.
19

The Claim also was presented to the California Supreme Court in Petitioner’s first state

20 habeas petition (Lod. Doc. 7 at 456-58), and summarily denied on the merits, and in part on
21 procedural grounds (Lod. Doc. 8).
22

b.

Legal Standard

23

The legal standard for ineffective assistance of counsel is set out in section VII , E, 1, b,

24 (ii), herein.
25

The legal standard for trial by an impartial jury is set forth in section VII, B, 2, b, (ii),

26 herein.
27

c.

Analysis

28

Petitioner argues Counsel was ineffective at voir dire by failing to request admonishment,
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1 and object to the trial court’s failure to admonish prospective jurors not to investigate, discuss, or
2 form an opinion about Petitioner’s case.
3

(i)

Deficient Conduct

4

Petitioner argues that Counsel unreasonably failed to object to the trial court’s failure to

5 admonish potential jurors at voir dire not to converse among themselves or with anyone else
6 regarding the trial; to refrain from reading or listening to accounts or discussions of the case in
7 the media; and to refrain from visiting or viewing any premises or place involved in the case.
8 (See Claim 15, ante, discussing the factual predicate in the context of trial court error; Weaver,
9 26 Cal. 4th at 908-09.)
10

However, the state supreme court reasonably could deny the allegations. It remains that

11 Petitioner has not identified legal authority that a trial court must admonish jurors before they are
12 sworn. (Id.) Petitioner does not show trial counsel was denied or constrained in the opportunity
13 to voir dire and as appropriate challenge these and the other prospective jurors. (Id.)
14 Particularly, as to the noted prospective jurors in issue, the state supreme court reasonably could
15 find Petitioner argues inference insubstantially supported by facts in the record . (Id.) He has not
16 demonstrated Counsel was deficient by failing to make a request that lacks merit. See Rupe, 93
17 F.3d at 1445 (the failure to make a futile argument is not alone ineffective assistance of counsel);
18 see also Strickland, 466 U.S. at 689 (warning against second-guessing counsel’s tactical
19 decisions through the distorted lens of hindsight).
20

(ii)

Prejudice

21

Petitioner argues that as a result of Counsel’s allegedly deficient acts and omissions,

22 several prospective jurors including some who served at his trial, discussed the case, or
23 researched applicable law prior to being admonished to refrain from doing so. (ECF No. 107 at
24 295-96.) Particularly, he argues his trial jury included at least two persons who acquainted
25 themselves during the jury selection process with legal principles applicable to the definition of
26 sanity; jurors who then voted to find Petitioner sane and sentenced him to death. (ECF No. 107
27 at 296.) The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has observed that:
28
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1
2
3
4

To establish prejudice, the defendant must show “a reasonable probability that,
but for counsel’s unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would have
been different. A reasonable probability is a probability sufficient to undermine
confidence in the outcome.” Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694, 104 S.Ct. 2052. To make
this assessment, we “compare the evidence that actually was presented to the jury
with the evidence that might have been presented had counsel acted differently.”
Clark v. Arnold, 769 F.3d 711, 728 (9th Cir. 2014) (quoting Murtishaw v.
Woodford, 255 F.3d 926, 940 (9th Cir. 2001) ).

5
6 Hernandez, 923 F.3d at 551.
7

Here, the California Supreme Court reasonably could find Petitioner failed to establish

8 prejudice under Strickland. Even if Counsel was deficient by failing to request the noted
9 admonishment during voir dire, the state supreme court reasonably could find no reasonable
10 probability of a different guilt phase outcome as to the murder theories presented by the
11 prosecution, i.e. (1) willful, deliberate, and premeditated murder, and (2) felony murder with
12 rape as the predicate felony. None of the prospective jurors in issue served on Petitioner’s guilt
13 phase jury. Counsel had the opportunity to and did engage the noted potential jurors on their
14 voir dire responses, and seek rehabilitation or excuse thereof. (See Claim 15, ante); see also
15 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 909. Rather, the voir dire record suggests that, with the exception of
16 prospective juror Dugger who was excused for cause, Counsel engaged in substantial
17 questioning of these prospective jurors. (See e.g., RT 1171-40, 2489-2505, 1947-64, 2079-2085,
18 2396-2422.)
19

It remains Petitioner has not demonstrated admissible evidence that the jury considered

20 extrinsic evidence, failed to deliberate consistent with their instructions, or otherwise engaged in
21 misconduct. (See Claims 17, 18, herein); see also Weeks, 528 U.S. at 234. Additionally, this
22 Court previously denied claimed ineffective assistance of counsel at the sanity and penalty
23 phases. (See ECF No. 209 at 1-2.)
24

d.

Conclusions

25

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of Claim 15 allegations

26 of ineffective assistance of counsel was not contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly
27 established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable
28 determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28
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1 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
2

Claim 15 allegations of ineffective assistance of counsel shall be denied.

3

7.

4

Petitioner alleges that Counsel was ineffective by failing to request inquiry into

Claim 18

5 inattentive jurors, and seek disqualification of any jurors found to be inattentive. (ECF No. 107
6 at 312-13.)
7

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

8

The Claim was presented to the California Supreme Court in Petitioner’s second state

9 habeas petition (Lod. Doc. 23 at 61-77), and summarily denied on the merits, and in part on
10 procedural grounds (Lod. Doc. 24).
11

b.

Legal Standard

12

The legal standard for ineffective assistance of counsel claims is set out in section VII, E,

13 1, b, (ii), herein.
14

The standard for a fair and impartial jury is set out in section VII, B, 2, b, (ii), herein.

15

c.

16

Petitioner argues Counsel unreasonably failed to request trial court inquiry into and

Analysis

17 disqualification of sanity phase jurors who were inattentive, i.e., falling asleep, during the sanity
18 phase testimony of psychologist Dr. Edward Dietiker, and not paying attention during jury
19 instructions.

(ECF No. 107 at 312-13; see also ECF No. 210 at 312-13; Claim 18, ante,

20 discussing the factual predicate in the context of claimed trial court error and juror misconduct ;
21 RT 5421-24, 6801, 6929.)
22

(i)

Deficient Conduct

23

Petitioner argues Counsel unreasonably failed to request the trial court investigate and

24 disqualify jurors found to be inattentive. He argues Counsel’s tactic of reserving this issue and
25 combining it with other instances of juror misconduct in a pre-penalty phase motion was not a
26 reasonable trial tactic.
27

As noted, the record reflects on March 5, 1985, at the start of the penalty phase, Counsel

28 made an oral motion for a new trial (Penal Code § 1181) on grounds that the sanity phase verdict
276

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1 had “been decided by lot or by means other than a fair expression of opinion on the part of all the
2 jurors.” (RT 6800.) Therein, Counsel stated that “three jurors, Juror Nos. Nine, Ten, and
3 Eleven, were not paying attention to the jury instructions and were talking and laughing as the
4 jury instructions were being read.” (RT 6801.) Counsel stated that “[i]t seems to me that this
5 jury had already made up its mind as a whole . . . and has been predisposed after hearing the first
6 phase of this case not to listen to anything in the second phase.” (RT 6800-01.) The trial court
7 deferred the motion to the end of trial and ultimately denied the motion as renewed. (RT 70708 92; CT 1711-22; see also Claim 24, herein.)
9

Under state law, the trial court, at any time during trial and upon “good cause shown,”

10 may discharge any juror “found to be unable to perform his duty.” Penal Code § 1089; see also
11 McNeal, 90 Cal. App. 3d at 838 (“Once the court is alerted to the possibility that a juror cannot
12 properly perform his duty to render an impartial and unbiased verdict, it is obligated to make
13 reasonable inquiry into the factual explanation for that possibility.”).
14

A trial judge “must conduct a sufficient inquiry to determine facts alleged as juror

15 misconduct whenever the court is put on notice that good cause to discharge a juror may exist.”
16 Davis, 10 Cal.4th at 547; see also Bradford 15 Cal.4th at 1348; Williams, 16 Cal.4th at 231. The
17 determination of “good cause” rests in the sound discretion of the court, Abbott, 47 Cal.2d at
18 371, and the court's finding thereof will be upheld if substantial evidence supports it, Burgener,
19 41 Cal.3d at 520. A juror's inability to perform as a juror must “appear in the record as a
20 demonstrable reality.” Compton 6 Cal. 3d at 60; accord see Williams, 16 Cal. 4th at 229.
21

On the facts and circumstances of this case, the state supreme court reasonably could find

22 that Counsel was motivated by reasonable trial tactics in initially placing the trial court on notice
23 of the alleged juror inattention, and then revisiting the matter in a post-penalty phase motion.
24 Particularly, Petitioner presented only a possible inference, not evidence of a demonstrable
25 reality, that one or more jurors was inattentive during the sanity phase. (See Claim 18, herein;
26 see also 28 U.S.C. § 2254(e)(1)); James, 24 F.3d at 26 (“Conclusory allegations which are not
27 supported by a statement of specific facts do not warrant habeas relief.”). Petitioner failed to
28 point to facts in the record showing any allegedly inattentive juror actually missed essential
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1 portions of the trial and thus was unable fairly to deliberate thereon. (See e.g., Lod. Doc. 23 at
2 68, citing RT 5387-5423); see also Barrett, 703 F.2d at 1083 n.13 (citing Hendrix, 549 F.2d at
3 1229) (where a juror has been found to be sleeping, a new trial may not be required if the court
4 determines the juror “did not miss essential portions of the trial and was able fairly to consider
5 the evidence).
6

Even t\he presence of a sleeping juror during trial does not per se deprive a defendant of

7 the right to due process, a fair trial, or an impartial jury. See Tanner, 483 U.S. at 126–27 (juror
8 who falls asleep during testimony is not per se incompetent); Springfield, 829 F.2d at 864 (no
9 violation of due process or the right to a fair trial and impartial jury when juror napped through
10 part of testimony); see also Olano, 62 F.3d at 1189 (“[T]he presence of all awake jurors
11 throughout an entire trial is not an absolute prerequisite to a criminal trial's ability to reliably
12 serve its function as a vehicle for determination of guilt or innocence. A single juror's slumber
13 thus is not per se plain error.”)
14

Furthermore, the Court previously denied allegations of deficient conduct by Counsel

15 during the sanity and penalty phases. (See ECF No. 209 at 1-2.)
16

Additionally, Counsel’s failure raise a solely state law objection is not a basis for federal

17 habeas relief. See McGuire, 502 U.S. at 67-68; Park, 202 F.3d at 1149. Federal habeas relief is
18 not available to retry a state issue that does not rise to the level of a federal constitutional
19 violation. McGuire, 502 U.S. at 67–68. Alleged errors in the application of state law are not
20 cognizable in federal habeas corpus. Souch, 289 F.3d at 623. The Court accepts a state court's
21 interpretation of state law. Langford, 110 F.3d at 1389.
22

(ii)

Prejudice

23

Petitioner argues that as a result of Counsel’s allegedly deficient acts and omissions,

24 inattentive jurors who missed essential portions of the trial, denied him a fair trial and reliable
25 verdict. (See ECF No. 107 at 312; see also Lod. Doc. 23 at 68 citing RT 5387-5423.) Petitioner
26 argues that as a result, he did not receive a fair trial by an impartial jury and was denied a reliable
27 verdict. (ECF No. 107 at 313.)
28

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has observed that:
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1
2
3
4
5

To establish prejudice, the defendant must show “a reasonable probability that,
but for counsel’s unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would have
been different. A reasonable probability is a probability sufficient to undermine
confidence in the outcome.” Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694, 104 S.Ct. 2052. To make
this assessment, we “compare the evidence that actually was presented to the jury
with the evidence that might have been presented had counsel acted differently.”
Clark v. Arnold, 769 F.3d 711, 728 (9th Cir. 2014) (quoting Murtishaw v.
Woodford, 255 F.3d 926, 940 (9th Cir. 2001) ).

6
7 Hernandez, 923 F.3d at 551.
8

Here, the California Supreme Court reasonably could find Petitioner failed to establish

9 prejudice under Strickland. Even if Counsel was deficient by failing to request the trial court
10 investigate and disqualify jurors found to be inattentive, the state supreme court reasonably could
11 find no reasonable probability of a different guilt phase outcome as to the murder theories
12 presented by the prosecution, i.e. (1) willful, deliberate, and premeditated murder, and (2) felony
13 murder with rape as the predicate felony. Particularly, Petitioner has not shown jurors prejudged
14 the case, and missed essential portions of the trial, and were unable to deliberate on the facts and
15 law consistent with the trial court’s instructions, for the reasons stated. (See Claims 17, 18,
16 ante.) It remains Petitioner has not demonstrated admissible evidence that the jury failed to
17 deliberate consistent with their instructions, or otherwise engaged in misconduct. (Id.); see also
18 Weeks, 528 U.S. at 234.
19

Additionally, this Court previously rejected claimed denial of competent counsel (see

20 ECF No. 162 at 100, 123), and ineffective assistance of counsel at the sanity and penalty phases
21 (see ECF No. 209 at 1-2).
22

d.

Conclusions

23

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of Claim 18 allegations of

24 ineffective assistance of counsel was not contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly
25 established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable
26 determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28
27 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
28

Claim 18 allegations of ineffective assistance of counsel shall be denied.
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1

8.

Claim 19

2

Petitioner alleges that Counsel was ineffective by allowing him orally to waive presence

3 in court during the taking of sanity phase evidence. (ECF No. 107 at 320-25.)
4

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

5

The Claim was presented to the state supreme court in Petitioner’s first state habeas

6 petition (Lod. Doc. 7 at 285-87 ), and summarily denied on the merits (Lod. Doc. 8).
7

b.

Legal Standard

8

The legal standard for ineffective assistance of counsel claims is set out in section VII , E,

9 1, b, (ii), herein.
10

The standard for presence of a defendant during a capital trial is set out in section VII, B,

11 11, b, (ii), herein.
12

c.

Analysis

13

Petitioner argues Counsel was ineffective by allowing him to waive presence in the

14 courtroom during sanity phase presentation of the VESI videotaped wartime mental state
15 evidence. (See Claim 19, ante, discussing the factual predicate in the context of trial court error.)
16

The noted record reflects that on February 13-14, 1985, when the VESI videotape and

17 related evidence was presented, Petitioner showed signs of emotional distress and asked guards
18 to escort him from the courtroom. (RT 5822-23.) Second Counsel advised the trial court that
19 Petitioner wished to waive his appearance until the playing of the VESI videotape was concluded
20 because he “didn’t want to lose control and wants to apologize to the court.” (RT 5823; see also
21 ECF No. 107 at 320-21.)
22

The trial court advised Petitioner of his right to be present and took his oral waiver of that

23 right on the record. (RT 5823-24; see also ECF No. 107 at 320-21; ECF No. 210 at 189-91.)
24 The record reflects that Petitioner was absent from the courtroom while the remainder of the
25 VESI videotape was played. (RT 5824-26.)
26

(i)

Deficient Conduct

27

Petitioner argues Counsel unreasonably failed to perfect the waiver of presence by having

28 him review, understand, and voluntarily sign a written waiver of appearance as required by state
280

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1 law. (ECF No. 107 at 321 citing Penal Code § 977.) He argues the waiver in open court was not
2 knowing, intelligent, and voluntarily. (ECF No. 107 at 320-21; ECF No. 210 at 191-92.) He
3 supports the argument by pointing to the noted evidence of his mental illness and impairments
4 and alleged incompetence to stand trial which, he argues, led him to defer to Counsel’s
5 recommendation that he leave the courtroom lest he become volatile and violent during playing
6 of the VESI tapes. (See Claims 3, 4; Claim 19, ante, discussing the factual predicate in the
7 context of trial court error; ECF No. 107 at 321-23; Lod. Doc. 7 at 286.)
8

Petitioner also argues he was unaware state law prohibited his absence from the

9 courtroom during the taking of evidence. (See ECF No. 210 at 190); see also Penal Code §§
10 977, 1043). He points out that neither Counsel nor the trial court told him of the state law
11 requirement. (Id.)
12

But Petitioner failed to demonstrate his departure from the courtroom for the balance of

13 the VESI videotapes violated his federal rights, for the reasons stated. Particularly, Petitioner
14 failed to point to facts in the record that his presence during playing of the balance of the VESI
15 videotape would have benefitted his defense. Moreover, he had the opportunity to discuss the
16 matter with Counsel and provide any desired input, and waived presence during preview of the
17 videotapes, outside the presence of the jury, upon colloquy with the trial court and Counsel. (RT
18 5634-35.) The jury was able to view Petitioner’s reaction to the videotape during that portion
19 played while he was present in the courtroom, which constituted most of the first videotape.
20 Moreover, Counsel offered the videotapes as an alternative to Petitioner’s testimony at the sanity
21 phase, suggesting Counsel and Petitioner, as a matter of trial tactics, relied upon demeaner
22 evidence apparent in the videotapes. (RT 5638); see also Reyes, 764 F.3d at 1193; ECF No. 209
23 at 59-61; Weaver, 26 Cal.4th at 968.
24

Still, this Court, in its prior order denying Claim 8 ineffective assistance of counsel at the

25 sanity phase, while concluding the state supreme reasonably found Petitioner’s waiver of
26 presence during VESI videotape evidence presentation to be knowing and voluntary, nonetheless
27 found the waiver of presence violative of state law. (ECF No. 209 at 53-60.)
28

Accordingly, the state supreme court reasonably found Counsel was deficient as a matter
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1 of state law in this regard. (See Claim 19, ante.)
2

(ii)

Prejudice

3

Petitioner argues Counsel’s deficient conduct was prejudicial under Strickland because he

4 was denied the opportunity to “advise and consult with counsel regarding appropriate areas to
5 question witnesses or to point out areas that needed to be clarified for the jury.” (ECF No. 107 at
6 324.) For example, he observes that “[a]t least one juror, Emery Hubbard, has declared that
7 presentation of combat-related evidence would have caused him to vote for life.” (ECF No. 107
8 at 324; 1SHCP Ex. 16 at 1.) He also argues the jury was denied mitigating evidence of his
9 humanity, redeeming qualities, trauma, and remorse. (ECF No. 107 at 321, 324-25.)
10

But as noted, the Constitution is not implicated every time a defendant is excluded from a

11 trial stage. Reyes, 764 F.3d at 1193; see also Moore, 344 F.3d at 1323 (“the issue of whether a
12 defendant must be present at all times in a capital trial has not yet been settled by the Supreme
13 Court”); Allen, 397 U.S. at 338 (a criminal defendant has the right to presence at all critical
14 stages of the trial).
15

Here, the state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner did not suffer prejudice

16 under the Strickland standard. Notably, that court observed that:
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24

In this case, no live witnesses testified in defendant's absence, reducing the
potential value of any assistance defendant could have given to defense counsel.
Although the jury was deprived of its ability to observe defendant's demeanor
during the playing of the videotapes, it is unclear which way this factor cuts, as
defendant apparently was afraid he would become overly emotional before the
jury, harming his case. His absence, and the concomitant inability of the jury to
observe him, may actually have helped him. In any event, such speculation does
not support a finding that it was reasonably probable defendant would have
achieved a more favorable sanity or penalty phase verdict had he been forced to
appear before the jury against his will. Any state law error was thus harmless
under People v. Watson, supra, 46 Cal.2d at page 836. The speculative nature of
any possible harm defendant suffered by his absence also precludes a finding the
error affected the penalty phase verdict in any way.

25 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 968. That court, considering the same facts under the Strickland standard,
26 could find no reasonable probability of a different outcome, as this Court previously found in
27 denying Claims 8 and 9. (See ECF No. 209 at 58-60.) Petitioner acknowledges as much. (ECF
28 No. 210 at 192 n.38 citing ECF No. 209 at 58-60.)
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1

Significantly, Petitioner participated in the VESI interview and apparently reviewed the

2 videotape with trial court and Counsel prior to the jury viewing it. Petitioner had the opportunity
3 to discuss the matter with Counsel and provide any desired input. (See e.g., RT 5633-35.)
Also, the jury was able to view Petitioner’s reaction to the videotape during that portion

4

5 played while he was present in the courtroom. Petitioner has not demonstrated beyond the level
6 of speculation how his absence deprived the jury of otherwise unavailable demeanor and remorse
7 evidence benefitting the defense.
8

Finally, during his absence from the courtroom, Counsel continued to represent him in

9 court during playing of the remainder of the VESI videotapes. (RT 5824-26); see Nunes, 350
10 F.3d at 1052-53 (“It has long and clearly been held that criminal defendants are entitled to
11 effective assistance of counsel during all critical stages of the criminal process.”); cf.
12 Bustamante, 456 F.2d at 274-75 (the presence of counsel alone at trial can never be harmless per
13 se).
14

d.

Conclusions

15

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of Claim 19 allegations

16 of ineffective assistance of counsel was not contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly
17 established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable
18 determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28
19 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
20

Claim 19 allegations of ineffective assistance of counsel shall be denied.

21

9.

22

Petitioner alleges that Counsel was ineffective by failing to request and object to guilt,

Claims 20 and 21

23 sanity, and penalty phase instructions (i.e., Claim 20), including particularly a guilt phase
24 instruction on the burden of proving the essential elements of the offenses beyond a reasonable
25 doubt (i.e., Claim 21), violating his rights under the Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth
26 Amendments.29 (ECF No. 107 at 325-55.)
27
29

Petitioner states that he incorporates the factual basis of Claims 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, and 9, into Claim 20. (ECF No. 107

28 at 326.) Petitioner states that he incorporates the factual basis of Claims 7, 20, and 22, into Claim 21. (Id. at 351.)
283

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1

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

2

(i)

Claim 20

3

The Claim was presented to the state supreme court on direct appeal (Lod. Doc. 1 at 290-

4 95, 334-41, 346-84, 388-99, 411-31, 442-44), and denied on the merits, as stated above. (See
5 Claim 20, ante, discussing the factual predicate as trial court error, at section VII, B, 8, a, (i).)
6

(ii)

Claim 21

7

The Claim was presented to the California Supreme Court in Petitioner’s second state

8 habeas petition (Lod. Doc. 23 at 78-87), and summarily denied on the merits, and in part on
9 procedural grounds (Lod. Doc. 24).
10

b.

Legal Standard

11

The standard for ineffective assistance of counsel claims is set out in section VII, E, 1, b,

12 (ii), herein.
13

The standard for instructional error is set out in section VII, B, 8, b, (ii), herein.

14

c.

15

Petitioner argues multiple events of ineffective assistance of counsel relating to

Analysis

16 instructional error, discussed separately below.
17

(i)

Guilt Phase

18

(A)

Deficient Conduct

19

Petitioner argues Counsel was deficient by failing to request and object to instructions

20 relating to proof beyond a reasonable doubt of the essential elements of the charged offenses.
21 Particularly, Petitioner argues Counsel was deficient by failing to object to the trial court’s
22 mistaken reading of CALJIC 2.02, which he suggests lessened the prosecution’s burden of
23 proving the essential elements of the charged offenses beyond a reasonable doubt. As noted in
24 the above discussion of Claim 20, the trial court misread CALJIC 2.02, which instructs on the
25 sufficiency of circumstantial evidence to prove specific intent, as follows:
26
27
28

[I]f the evidence as to any such specific intent or mental state is susceptible of two
reasonable interpretations, one of which points to the existence of a specific intent
or mental state and the other to the absence of the specific intent or mental state, it
is fair [should be “your duty”] to adopt that interpretation which points to the
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absence of the specific intent or mental state. If, on the other hand, one
interpretation of the evidence as to such specific intent or mental state appears to
you to be reasonable and the other interpretation to be unreasonable, it would be
your duty to accept the reasonable interpretation and to reject the unreasonable.

1
2
3

4 (RT 4447-48; cf. CT 1391.) Relatedly, Petitioner purports to incorporate Claim 22 allegations
5 and also suggests Counsel was ineffective by failing to object to CALJIC 2.90, which, he asserts,
6 contains an improper definition of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
The record reflects that Petitioner’s jury was instructed on the presumption of innocence

7

8 until the contrary is proved beyond a reasonable doubt (RT 4446-47; see also CT 1388, CALJIC
9 2.90); the sufficiency of circumstantial evidence generally (RT 4440; CT 1371, CALJIC 2.01);
10 the sufficiency of circumstantial evidence to prove specific intent (RT 4447-48; CT 1391,
11 CALJIC 2.02);30 the sufficiency of circumstantial evidence to prove required intent for special
12 circumstances (RT 4465; CT 1441-1442, CALJIC 8.83.1 as modified); and the weighing of
13 conflicting testimony (RT 4442-43; CT 1378, CALJIC 2.22).
14

Due process requires that the government prove every element of a charged offense

15 beyond a reasonable doubt. Victor, 511 U.S. at 5. However, “the Constitution neither prohibits
16 trial courts from defining reasonable doubt nor requires them to do so as a matter of course.” Id.,
17 citing Hopt, 120 U.S. at 440-41. A court must instruct the jury “on the necessity that the
18 defendant’s guilt be proven beyond a reasonable doubt,” but “the Constitution does not require
19 that any particular form of words be used in advising the jury of the government’s burden of
20 proof.” Id.
21

For the reasons stated, the state supreme court reasonably could find the guilt phase

22 instructions, considered in their entirety, sufficiently informed the jury of the prosecutions
23 burden of proving the essential elements of the charged crimes beyond a reasonable doubt on the
24 evidence before them. (See Claims 20, 21, and 22, ante, discussing the factual predicate in the
25 context of claimed trial court error.) As noted, the trial court’s error in reading CALJIC 2.02 was
26 corrected in the written version of instructions provided to the jury room. (Id.) The other
27 instructions given the jury regarding circumstantial evidence also corrected that error. (Id.)
28

30

The trial court erred in reading this instruction, as discussed in Claim 20, section VII, B, 8, c, (i), herein.

285

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1

It also remains that the CALJIC 2.90 standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt has

2 been upheld by federal courts. See Drayden, 232 F.3d at 715; see also Victor, 511 U.S. at 5 (no
3 particular words to inform the jury of the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt). The state
4 supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner failed to demonstrate clearly established federal
5 law that additionally instructing the jury with CALJIC 2.01, 2.02 and 8.83.1 was constitutional
6 error, for the reasons stated. (See Claims 20, 21, and 22, herein.) Especially so here, as the state
7 supreme court could find the guilt phase record not suggestive of multiple reasonable
8 interpretations of evidence relating to Petitioner’s specific intent or mental state (see Claims 20,
9 21, and 22, ante), and an error of only state law is not a basis for federal habeas relief. McGuire,
10 502 U.S. at 67-68.
11

Accordingly, the state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner failed to

12 demonstrate clearly established federal law that the noted guilt phase instructions were
13 constitutional error. The court reasonably could find Counsel was not deficient by failing to
14 make or persist in futile challenge thereto. See Rupe, 93 F.3d at 1445.
15

(B)

Prejudice

16

Petitioner argues Counsel’s alleged deficiencies, individually and cumulatively were

17 prejudicial under the Strickland standard. He argues the alleged guilt phase instructional errors
18 lessened the prosecution’s burden of proving the specific intent and mental state for first degree
19 murder beyond a reasonable doubt from mandatory to discretionary, and left the instructions
20 unconstitutionally vague. (ECF No. 107 at 353-54 citing RT 4483-85; see also ECF No. 210 at
21 206-10 citing Bloyd, 43 Cal. 3d at 377-78 (stating that CALJIC 2.01 and 2.02 should not be
22 given together).)
23

Assuming arguendo the instructions given were deficient as alleged, the state supreme

24 court could find no reasonable probability of a different outcome. The instructions, considered
25 in their entirety, sufficiently informed the jury of the prosecution’s burden of proving the
26 charged crimes beyond a reasonable doubt on the evidence before them. See In re Winship, 397
27 U.S. at 364 (due process requires that the government prove beyond a reasonable doubt every
28 fact necessary to constitute the charged offense). (See Claims 20, 21, and 22, ante.)
286

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1

Furthermore, the state supreme court could find no reasonable likelihood the jury applied

2 the guilt phase instructions in their entirety in an unconstitutional manner. Boyde, 494 U.S. at
3 380. To the extent Petitioner argues CALJIC 2.01, 2.02, and 8.83.1 were erroneous, those
4 instructions do not expressly alter the CALJIC 2.90 standard. The state supreme court
5 reasonably could find Petitioner failed to demonstrate clearly established federal law that
6 instructing the jury with CALJIC 2.01, 2.02 and 8.83.1 was error.
7

Moreover, as noted, the trial court’s error in reading CALJIC 2.02 was corrected in the

8 written version of instructions provided to the jury room. (CT 1391.) The other noted
9 instructions given the jury regarding circumstantial evidence also corrected the error.
10 California’s pattern instruction on the standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt, CALJIC
11 2.90, has been upheld by federal courts. Harris, 692 F.2d at 1195-96 (upholding California’s
12 death penalty process).
13

Finally, the guilt phase record is not suggestive of multiple reasonable interpretations of

14 evidence relating to Petitioner’s specific intent or mental state, for the reasons stated. (See
15 Claims 20, 21, 22, ante.) Also, an error of only state law is not a basis for federal habeas relief.
16 McGuire, 502 U.S. at 67-68.
17

Accordingly, the state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner failed to

18 demonstrate the allegedly erroneous guilt phase instructions were prejudicial under Strickland.
19 Counsel was not ineffective by failing to make or persist in futile challenge thereto. Rupe, 93
20 F.3d at 1445.
21

(ii)

Sanity Phase

22

(A)

Deficient Conduct

23

Petitioner argues Counsel was ineffective to the extent the jury was inadequately

24 instructed on the law and the evidence it was to consider in its sanity determination. (ECF No.
25 107 at 325-30.) Particularly, Petitioner argues Counsel was ineffective by failing to research and
26 argue against the trial court’s erroneous use of the prosecution’s special instruction, based upon
27 People v. Fields, 35 Cal. 3d. 329, 369 (1983), modifying CALJIC 4.02-4.05 (defining mental
28 disease or defect) to provide that “[t]he term mental disease or mental defect does not include an
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1 abnormality manifested only by repeated criminal or otherwise anti-social acts.” (ECF No. 107
2 at 326-27 citing RT 6603-05; see also Claim 20, ante, discussing the factual predicate in the
3 context of trial court error.)
4

As discussed above, the jury was instructed on the defense of insanity, including that “[a]

5 person is legally insane if, as a result of mental disease or mental defect, he lacks substantial
6 capacity either to appreciate the criminality of his conduct or to conform his conduct to the
7 requirements of law.” (CT 1603, CALJIC 4.00 (1978 Revision).) The jury also was given the
8 special instruction that “[t]he terms mental disease or mental defect do not include an
9 abnormality manifested only by repeated criminal or otherwise antisocial conduct.” (CT 1608;
10 see also ECF No. 107 at 326.)
11

Petitioner revisits his above argument the special instruction was confusing and

12 misleading, unwarranted on the facts of his case, and in inaccurate statement of the law as
13 applied to his case. (ECF No. 107 at 327.) He argues the special instruction errantly failed to
14 inform the jury that “if that illness manifests itself in some other way as well, then it can be
15 considered as a mental disease . . . and instances of criminal or antisocial conduct can be ascribed
16 to that disease or cited as evidence of its severity.” (ECF No. 107 at 326; see also id. at 327
17 citing Fields, 35 Cal. 3d. at 369. He argues that Fields’ discussion of insanity in the context of
18 commission of continuous criminal conduct was not meant to eliminate the insanity defense for
19 persons with “legitimate major mental illnesses.” (ECF No. 107 at 327-28.)
20

However, the state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner has not demonstrated

21 the special instruction was constitutional error, for the reasons stated. (See Claim 20, ante.) As
22 the state supreme court observed, a reasonable juror would view the special instruction as
23 implying that where, as here, evidence of more than criminal conduct is present, such evidence
24 could be considered proof of mental disease or defect. See Weaver, 26 Cal.4th at 968.
25

Moreover, this Court previously denied claimed ineffective assistance of counsel at the

26 sanity phase, including as to the special instruction under Fields. (ECF No. 209 at 1-2, 77-78.)
27 Therein, the Court observed that Counsel did object to the special instruction on grounds Fields
28 should not be retroactively applied to Petitioner’s offense and the instruction was misleading.
288

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1 (See ECF No. 209 at 62-65; see also RT 6603-06; Claims 3, 4, ante.) The trial court overruled
2 Counsel’s objection, such that Counsel reasonably might have determined to move on, given the
3 unsuccessful objection, the common terms used in the instruction, and the noted significant
4 evidence of psychological problems (such as PTSD symptoms for which he sought treatment,
5 hearing voices, and going off to war so that he could be killed), i.e., problems that were other
6 than criminal or antisocial. (Id.); see also Weaver, 26 Cal.4th at 968.
7

It remains that the state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner failed to

8 demonstrate clearly established federal law that the sanity phase instructions including the
9 special instruction on Fields were constitutional error, for the reasons stated. Especially so here,
10 as the sanity phase record includes evidence readily suggesting Petitioner’s mental impairments
11 manifested in ways other than repeated criminal or otherwise anti-social acts (see id.), and an
12 error of only state law is not a basis for federal habeas relief. McGuire, 502 U.S. at 67-68.
13

Accordingly, the state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner failed to

14 demonstrate clearly established federal law that the noted sanity phase instructions were
15 constitutional error. The court reasonably could find Counsel was not deficient by failing to
16 make or persist in futile challenge thereto. Rupe, 93 F.3d at 1445.
17

(B)

Prejudice

18

Petitioner argues Counsel’s alleged deficiencies, individually and cumulatively were

19 prejudicial under the Strickland standard. He argues the alleged sanity phase instructional errors
20 individually and cumulatively kept the jury from considering whether he suffered from a mental
21 illness or defect that would have rendered him insane at the time the crimes were committed.
22 (ECF No. 107 at 329-30.)
23

However, assuming arguendo that Counsel was deficient as alleged, the state supreme

24 court reasonable could find no prejudice under Strickland. This Court previously found
25 Petitioner did not demonstrate prejudice arising from Counsel’s failure to seek clarification
26 regarding the prosecution’s special instruction defining mental disease or defect as stated in
27 Fields. (ECF No. 209 at 1-2, 77-78.) The Court found the instruction not to be misleading, and
28 that clarification was not reasonably required. (Id.; see also Claims 20, 21, and 22, ante; Rupe,
289

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1 93 F.3d at 1445 (“[T]he failure to take a futile action can never be deficient performance.”) The
2 Court then observed the sanity phase included significant testimony of facts underlying the guilt
3 phase defense, that: Petitioner suffered the effects of amphetamine use and sleep deprivation,
4 heard voices, and dissociated while he strangled Levoy. (See ECF No. 209 at 61-65; see also
5 ECF No. 107 at 139.)
6

Additionally, Petitioner has not demonstrated cumulative error arising from the sanity

7 phase instructions, given the absence of individual error. (See Claims 20-21, section VII, B, 8,
8 c, ante.)
9

Accordingly, the state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner failed to

10 demonstrate the allegedly erroneous sanity phase instructions were prejudicial under Strickland.
11 Counsel was not ineffective by failing to make or persist in futile challenge thereto. See Rupe,
12 93 F.3d at 1445 (“[T]he failure to take a futile action can never be deficient performance.”)
13

(iii)

Penalty Phase

14

(A)

Deficient Conduct

15

Petitioner argues Counsel was ineffective by failing to request adequate instruction on the

16 law and the evidence the jury was to consider in making its sentencing determination. (See
17 generally ECF No. 107 at 330-51.) Particularly, he argues Counsel failed to object or clarify
18 which previously given instructions applied the penalty phase, and ambiguities in the penalty
19 phase instructions created thereby.

(Id.)

He argues Counsel failed to object or clarify

20 instructions providing insufficient guidance on aggravating and mitigating evidence including
21 the weighing process. (Id.) He argues Counsel failed to object or clarify instructions errantly
22 precluding jury consideration of Petitioner’s statements on the VESI tapes as substantive
23 mitigating evidence. (Id.)
24

However, as discussed above, the jury was instructed on the process of weighing

25 aggravating and mitigating factors and the scope of sentencing discretion. (ECF No. 107 at 33526 37; ECF No. 210 at 194-95 citing CT 1651-52, CALJIC 8.84.1 [sentencing factors]; CT 1677-78
27 (CALJIC 8.84.2 [sentencing discretion]; CT 1651-55, CALJIC 8.84.1.1 [proof beyond a
28 reasonable doubt as to facts supporting aggravating criminal activity and prior felony
290

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1 convictions]; CT 1643-1644, CALJIC 8.84 [consideration of sympathy or pity for the defendant]
2 (CT 1644); and CT 1645, CALJIC 1.01 [instructions to be considered in their entirety].)
3

Here, the state supreme court reasonably denied Petitioner’s instant allegations because

4 the instant instructions were constitutionally adequate, for the reasons stated. (See Claims 20,
5 21, and 22, ante.) The Supreme Court repeatedly has upheld California’s death penalty process
6 and pattern instructions. Harris, 692 F.2d at 1195-96 (upholding California’s death penalty
7 process); see also Williams, 52 F.3d at 1484-85 (California’s death penalty statute “ensures
8 meaningful appellate review, and need not require written jury findings in order to be
9 constitutional”).
10

As to the VESI statements, the jury was instructed that it was precluded from

11 “considering the truth of Petitioner’s statements on the Vietnam Era Stress Inventory (VESI)
12 videotape during penalty phase deliberations.” (ECF No. 107 at 348-49; see also CT 1591,
13 CALJIC 2.10, statements made by defendant to physician.) Petitioner argues the state supreme
14 court erred under the Eighth Amendment by finding state evidentiary (hearsay) rules prevent ed
15 consideration of this evidence in mitigation of the death penalty. (ECF No. 210 at 202 citing
16 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 980); see also Green, 442 U.S. 95 (the hearsay rule may not be applied
17 mechanistically to defeat the ends of justice).
18

However, the state supreme court reasonably could find the VESI tape evidence was not

19 admissible as substantive evidence, for the reasons discussed above. (See Claims 20, 21, and 22,
20 ante); see also Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 979-82. As noted, state court rulings on admissibility of
21 evidence are not a basis for federal habeas relief unless Petitioner was denied a fundamentally
22 fair trial. McGuire, 502 U.S. at 68 (“[I]t is not the province of a federal habeas court to
23 reexamine state court determinations on state law questions.”). The Supreme Court has “never
24 questioned the power of States to exclude evidence through the application of evidentiary rules
25 that themselves serve the interests of fairness and reliability - even if the defendant would prefer
26 to see that evidence admitted.” Crane, 476 U.S. at 690. The state supreme court reasonably
27 could find, contrary to Petitioner’s argument, that the VESI statements were not the kind of
28 “highly reliable and relevant” extrinsic evidence admitted in Green. 442 U.S. at 97. Notably,
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1 Petitioner’s statements were made by him in preparation of his insanity defense, whereas in
2 Green the statements were made by and against the penal interests of a co-perpetrator and
3 otherwise corroborated.
4

Moreover, this Court previously rejected the argument, finding that: (i) the state supreme

5 court reasonably determined that Petitioner’s statements on the VESI tapes were hearsay and not
6 particularly reliable when considered for their truth, and (ii) objection would have been futile.
7 (See ECF No. 209 at 59-60; see also Weaver, 26 Cal.4th at 980-82; Green, 442 U.S. at 97
8 (quoting Chambers, 410 U.S. at 302) (“the hearsay rule may not be applied mechanistically to
9 defeat the ends of justice.”). Furthermore, any state law evidentiary error alone is not a basis for
10 federal habeas relief. Pulley, 465 U.S. at 41 (“A federal court may not issue the writ on the basis
11 of a perceived error of state law.”)
12

Accordingly, the state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner failed to

13 demonstrate clearly established federal law that the noted penalty phase instructions were
14 constitutional error. The court reasonably could find Counsel was not deficient by failing to
15 make or persist in futile challenge thereto. See Rupe, 93 F.3d at 1445 (“[T]he failure to take a
16 futile action can never be deficient performance.”)
17

(B)

Prejudice

18

Petitioner argues Counsel’s alleged deficiencies, individually and cumulatively were

19 prejudicial under the Strickland standard. (ECF No. 107 at 330-51.) He argues a reasonable
20 likelihood the alleged errors denied the jury full use of the mitigating evidence including of his
21 mental impairments. (Id.)
22

However, assuming arguendo that Counsel was deficient as alleged, the state supreme

23 court could find no reasonable likelihood the jury misunderstood the noted instructions, for the
24 reasons stated. (See Claims 20, 21, and 22, ante; see also Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 980-84; Boyde,
25 (1990) 494 U.S. at 380-381 (“We think the proper inquiry in such a case is whether there is a
26 reasonable likelihood that the jury has applied the challenged instruction in a way that prevents
27 the consideration of constitutionally relevant evidence.”)
28

Although the jury was instructed at the penalty phase to consider “all other instructions
292

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1 previously read to you which you find to be applicable to this part of the trial[,]” (CT 1644), the
2 jury was specifically instructed with the Penal Code section 190.3 sentencing factors including
3 the noted subfactors (d) and (h), as well as subfactor (k) [modified by the trial court to be read as
4 subfactor (j)] (“[a]ny other circumstances which extenuates the gravity of the crime even though
5 it is not a legal excuse for the crime [and any other aspect of the defendant’s character or record
6 that the defendant offers as a basis for a sentence less then death].”) (CT 1651-1652.)
7

The jury also was instructed that any argument of the prosecutor and counsel otherwise

8 was not evidence. (CT 1646, CALJIC 1.02 [statements of counsel].) Jurors are presumed to
9 understand and following instructions See Weeks, 528 U.S. at 234 (federal courts presume that
10 juries follow instructions, including cautionary instructions).
11

As to the difference between the standard for insanity on the one hand and the process for

12 considering mitigating evidence under the Penal Code section 190.3 factors (d), (h) (k) on the
13 other, the state supreme court reasonably could find those differences to be “readily apparent.”
14 (See Claims 20, 21, and 22, ante; see also Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 980-84; People v. Babbitt, 45
15 Cal.3d 660, 721 (1988) (the insanity standard requires that a defendant lack “substantial
16 capacity” to appreciate the criminality of his conduct or to conform his conduct to the law,
17 whereas Penal Code section 190.3(h) requires only that his capacity to do so be “impaired.”).
18

Petitioner has not demonstrated on the factual record that the allegedly ambiguous

19 instruction prevented the jury from giving effect to all mitigating evidence. See Tuilaepa v.
20 California, 512 U.S. 967, 972-79 (1994); see also Boyde, 494 U.S. at 380–81 (jurors do not parse
21 instructions for subtle shades of meaning, but rather deliberate with a commonsense
22 understanding of the instructions in the light of all that has taken place at the trial.)
23

Moreover, this Court previously found that any error as to the VESI videotapes was

24 harmless because the videotapes included Petitioner’s potentially aggravating statements (e.g.,
25 women existed for his sexual satisfaction; he hated all women except his mother; he had raped
26 other women), that would have damaged the penalty phase defense if taken as true. (See ECF
27 No. 209 at 53-61.) As observed by the state supreme court, the jury was free to consider
28 Petitioner’s demeanor or physical reactions in the VESI tapes. Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 979–82.
293

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1 The evidence before the penalty phase jury also included the noted substantial mental state
2 evidence relating to Petitioner’s service in Vietnam. (See e.g., Claims 3, 4, 5, 8, herein.)
3

Additionally, this Court previously found that Petitioner failed to demonstrate evidence in

4 the state record suggesting the jury failed to consider mitigating mental state evidence due to
5 confusion over the legal standards applicable at the penalty phase. (See ECF No. 209 at 68-71);
6 see also Noguera, 2021 WL 3043458 at *26 (citing Tuilaepa, 512 U.S. at 973) (“[V]agueness
7 review is deferential because the proper degree of definition’ of [the] eligibility . . . factor[] often
8 ‘is not susceptible [to] mathematical precision.”).
9

Accordingly, the state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner failed to

10 demonstrate the allegedly erroneous penalty phase instructions were prejudicial under Strickland.
11 Counsel was not ineffective by failing to make or persist in futile challenge thereto. Rupe, 93
12 F.3d at 1445 (“[T]he failure to take a futile action can never be deficient performance.”)
13

d.

Conclusions

14

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of Claims 20 and 21

15 allegations of ineffective assistance of counsel was not contrary to, or an unreasonable
16 application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or based on
17 an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court
18 proceeding. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
19

Claim 20 and 21 allegations of ineffective assistance of counsel shall be denied.

20

10.

21

Petitioner alleges that Counsel was ineffective by failing to raise trial court errors

Claim 23

22 occurring at the hearing on the motion to modify the penalty phase verdict, violating his rights
23 under the Fourth, Sixth, Eight, and Fourteenth Amendments. (ECF No. 107 at 358-60.)
24

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

25

The Claim was presented to the state supreme court on direct appeal (Lod. Doc. 1 at 432-

26 41), and denied on the merits, as stated above. (See Claim 23, ante, discussing the factual
27 predicate in the context of trial court error, at section VII, B, 12, a.)
28
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1

b.

Legal Standard

2

The legal standard for ineffective assistance of counsel claims is set forth in section VII,

3 E, 1, b, (ii), herein.
4

The legal standard for a fair and reliable verdict is set out in section VII, B, 12, b, (ii),

5 herein.
6

c.

Analysis

7

Petitioner argues that Counsel unreasonably failed to raise to the trial court its use of an

8 inappropriate standard when considering mitigating mental state evidence, and it failure to fully
9 consider all the mitigating evidence, denying him an individualized and reliable penalty phase
10 verdict. Particularly, he argues Counsel was not motivated by reasonable trial tactics when he
11 failed to challenge the trial court’s alleged use of the sanity phase standard when considering
12 mental state evidence upon motion to modify the penalty phase verdict. (See ECF No. 210 at
13 212-13.)
14

(i)

Deficient Conduct

15

Petitioner argues Counsel should have alerted the trial court to its alleged improper use of

16 the sanity phase standard during its consideration of mitigating circumstances including
17 especially Penal Code section 190.3(h, k) mitigating evidence of impaired mental capacity and
18 extenuating circumstances, and its failure to consider fully all the mitigating evidence before it.
19 He also argues the trial court’s failure to specifically mention (Penal Code section 190.3(k))
20 mitigating evidence including his good acts arising from his family, military, and institutional
21 history, shows the trial court improperly failed to consider such evidence.
22

As noted above in the discussion of this factual predicate in the context of trial court

23 error, the trial court, in ruling on the motion, specifically found three factors in aggravation (i.e.,
24 the circumstances of the crime; the presence of other violent criminal activity; and a prior
25 conviction), and one factor in mitigation (i.e., the offense was committed under circumstances
26 involving the influence of extreme mental or emotional disturbance). (See Claim 23, ante; see
27 also ECF No. 210 at 212; RT 7105-107.)
28

The record reflects the trial court denied the motion for modification, concluding that
295

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1 “the aggravating circumstances do outweigh the mitigating circumstances.” (Id., citing RT
2 7108-09.)
3

Here, the state supreme court reasonably denied the Claim, for the reasons stated by that

4 court. See Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 989–91. Particularly, the state supreme court reasonably could
5 find the evidence of extreme mental disturbance was not mitigating evidence of impaired
6 capacity to appreciate the criminality of his conduct and conform himself with the requirements
7 of the law. As noted by that court, evidence in the record suggested Petitioner, notwithstanding
8 his mental disturbance, understood and manifested consciousness of guilt as to the crimes he
9 committed against Radford and Levoy. See e.g., CT 172; see also Sansing v. Ryan, 997 F.3d
10 1018, 1032 (9th Cir. 2021) (no impaired capacity where deliberate actions taken by defendant
11 after the crime “[E]stablish[ed] that the drug use did not overwhelm [his] ability to control his
12 conduct[.]”).
13

The state supreme court also reasonably found the trial court considered Penal Code

14 section 190.4(k) mitigating evidence in the record, notwithstanding that court’s failure to
15 specifically mention such presumably insubstantial and unpersuasive evidence.

The state

16 supreme court observed the trial court’s statement in the record that it independently reviewed
17 “all the evidence” and found the jury's findings and verdicts to be “not only supported by the
18 weight of the evidence, but the [c]ourt in its own independent review of all the evidence finds the
19 jury's verdicts and findings are consistent with the law and evidence.” (RT 7109); see also
20 Harris, 465 U.S. at 52 (a defendant is entitled to a fair and reliable verdict based upon an
21 individualized determination of the appropriate sentence given his record and character).
22

Petitioner does not point to facts in the record that the trial court failed to independently

23 reweigh the evidence of aggravating and mitigating circumstances and determine, in its
24 independent judgment, that the weight of the evidence supported the jury’s verdict. See Locket t,
25 438 U.S. at 604 (the Eighth Amendment requires full consideration of “any aspect of the
26 defendant’s character or record and any of the circumstances of the offense that the defendant
27 proffers as a basis for a sentence less than death”); see also Eddings, 455 U.S. at 113-114
28 (sentencer must consider any relevant mitigating evidence).
296

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1

Given the foregoing, the state supreme court reasonably could find counsel was not

2 deficient by failing to make a meritless and futile objection. Rupe, 93 F.3d at 1445 (“[T]he
3 failure to take a futile action can never be deficient performance.”)
4

(ii)

Prejudice

5

Petitioner argues that absent such allegedly deficient conduct, it is reasonably likely that

6 the trial court would have granted the motion to modify the death verdict and sentenced him to
7 life in prison without possibility of parole. (ECF No. 107 at 360.) He also argues Counsel’s
8 alleged failure to raise such errors to the trial court arose from a breakdown of the adversarial
9 process, structural error that left his death verdict unreliable. (Id.)
10

However, the state supreme court reasonably could find that absent Counsel’s allegedly

11 deficient conduct there was no reasonable probability of a different outcome, and no structural
12 error, for the reasons stated. As the state supreme court observed in denying the allegations on
13 direct appeal:
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

It was not required [the trial court] recount every detail of matters ... it already
deemed mitigating. Moreover, the court's ruling indicates its clear understanding
of its duty to weigh all the aggravating and mitigating evidence. The court
carefully set forth the evidence to which it assigned significant aggravating or
mitigating weight. Under these circumstances, the failure to mention other
specific matters in mitigation implies, not that they were overlooked or deemed
legally irrelevant, but simply that the court found them insubstantial and
unpersuasive.” (People v. Arias, supra, at pp. 191-192.) […] [W]e find
defendant was not deprived of the effective assistance of counsel by defense
counsel's failure to object or otherwise call the trial court's attention to the alleged
error.

21 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 989–91. Notably, this Court previously found, in this case, no breakdown
22 in the adversarial process. (ECF No. 162 at 98-100, 123.)
23

d.

Conclusions

24

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of Claim 23 allegations of

25 ineffective assistance of counsel was not contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly
26 established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable
27 determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28
28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
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1

Claim 23 allegations of ineffective assistance of counsel shall be denied.

2

11.

3

Petitioner alleges that Counsel was ineffective by failing to object to California’s death

Claim 26

4 penalty statute on grounds of its unconstitutional failure to narrow the class of offenders eligible
5 for the death penalty, violating his rights under the Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth
6 Amendments. (ECF No. 107 at 368-69, 387.)
7

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

8

The state supreme court considered the Claim on direct appeal (Lod. Doc. 1 at 402-410),

9 and denied it on the merits, as follows:
10

13

Defendant next raises several arguments that the state's death penalty law is
unconstitutional under the state and federal Constitutions. As outlined below, we
have addressed and rejected these claims in previous opinions, and defendant does
not convince us we should revisit those decisions. Thus, defendant claims various
of his constitutional rights were violated because the death penalty law, and the
jury instructions implementing that law:

14

[…]

15

Failed adequately to narrow eligibility for the death penalty. (People v. Kraft,
supra, 23 Cal.4th at p. 1078; People v. Sakarias (2000) 22 Cal.4th 596, 632 [94
Cal.Rptr.2d 17, 995 P.2d 152].)

11
12

16
17

18 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 991-92.
19

b.

Legal Standard

20

(i)

Narrowing the Application of the Death Penalty

21

A state capital sentencing system must: “(1) rationally narrow the class of death-eligible

22 defendants; and (2) permit a jury to render a reasoned, individualized sentencing determination
23 based on a death-eligible defendant's record, personal characteristics, and the circumstances of
24 his crime.” Kansas v. Marsh, 548 U.S. 163, 173-74 (2006). If the “state system satisfies these
25 requirements,” then the “state enjoys a range of discretion in imposing the death penalty,
26 including the manner in which aggravating and mitigating circumstances are to be weighed.”
27 Id., (citing Franklin v. Lynaugh, 487 U.S. 164, 179 (1988)) (plurality opinion); see also Zant v.
28 Stephens, 462 U.S. 862, 875-76, n.13 (1983).
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1

A state may narrow the class of murderers eligible for the death penalty by defining

2 degrees of murder. Sawyer v. Whitley, 505 U.S. 333, 342 (1992). A state may further narrow
3 the class of murderers by finding “beyond a reasonable doubt at least one of a list of statutory
4 aggravating factors.” Id.; see also Gregg, 428 U.S. at 196-97.
5

(ii)

Ineffective Assistance of Counsel

6

The legal standard for ineffective assistance of counsel claims is set forth in section VII,

7 E, 1, b, (ii), herein.
8

c.

Analysis

9

Petitioner argues that Counsel unreasonably failed to challenge the overbreadth of

10 California’s death eligibility mechanism and its lack of inter-case proportionality. He argues that
11 absent Counsel’s allegedly deficient conduct, the outcome of his proceeding would have been
12 different.
13

As noted, Petitioner was convicted of first degree murder (Penal Code § 187(a)), with

14 special circumstances of multiple murder (Penal Code § 190.2(a)(3)) and two Counts of kidnap
15 murder found true (Penal Code § 190.2(a)(17)(B)). (ECF No. 107 at 369.)
16

(i)

Deficient Conduct

17

Petitioner argues that Counsel unreasonably failed to challenge California’s death penalty

18 process on grounds it fails to narrow the class of first degree murderers eligible for the death
19 penalty, resulting in arbitrary and capricious imposition. He argues California’s statute fails to
20 narrow the class of death eligible individuals, separating out a small group of particularly
21 serious, more culpable, murderers from the others found guilty of murder. (ECF No. 210 at 225
22 citing Stephens, 462 U.S. at 877.) He argues statutory overbreadth and overlap because all first23 degree felony murder cases also are special circumstance cases. He argues a lack of safeguards
24 against arbitrary imposition of the death penalty including failure to require inter-case
25 proportionality. (See Claims 26, 27, 31, herein.) He argues California’s expansive list of special
26 circumstances, twenty-seven at the time of his crime and conviction, makes virtually every
27 murderer factually eligible for the death penalty, violating Furman and its progeny. Furman v.
28 Georgia, 408 U.S. 238, 309 (1972) (the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments preclude arbitrary
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1 and capricious imposition of the death penalty). He argues California’s process for weighing
2 aggravating and mitigating factors (Penal Code § 190.3) is internally inconsistent, arbitrary,
3 biased in favor of death, and thus insufficient to ameliorate the Furman error.
4

However, the state supreme court reasonably could find California’s death penalty

5 process is not constitutional overbroad. California's death penalty scheme, which narrows the
6 class of death eligible offenders to less than the definition of first-degree murder and permits
7 consideration of all mitigating evidence, has been approved by the Supreme Court. Tuilaepa,
8 512 U.S. at 972-79; Pulley, 465 U.S. at 38. In Brown v. Sanders, 546 U.S. 212 (2006), a case
9 arising under California’s 1978 death penalty statute, the Court again observed that special10 circumstance findings “are sufficient to satisfy Furman’s narrowing requirement.” Id. at 224. In
11 Karis v. Calderon, the Ninth Circuit said:
12
13
14
15
16
17

[W]e reject Karis’ argument that the scheme does not adequately narrow the class
of persons eligible for the death penalty. The California statute satisfies the
narrowing requirement set forth in Zant v. Stephens, 462 U.S. 862 [] (1983). The
special circumstances in California apply to a subclass of defendants convicted of
murder and are not unconstitutionally vague. See id. at 972 []. The selection
requirement is also satisfied by an individualized determination on the basis of the
character of the individual and the circumstances of the crime. See id. California
has identified a subclass of defendants deserving of death and by doing so, it has
“narrowed in a meaningful way the category of defendants upon whom capital
punishment may be imposed.” Arave v. Creech, 507 U.S. 463, 476 [] (1993).

18
19 283 F.3d 1117, 1141 n.11 (2002); accord Mayfield v. Woodford, 270 F.3d 915, 924 (2001).
20 Petitioner’s argument that Karis and Mayfield are distinguishable by their facts and procedural
21 posture, respectively (see ECF No. 214 at 58), is unpersuasive. Contrary to Petitioner’s
22 suggestion, the failure to narrow issue raised in Karis arose under California’s 1978 statute,
23 applicable here. The Mayfield court, while reversing the lower court on ineffective assistance
24 claims, found that “[t]he 1978 death penalty statute pursuant to which Mayfield was convicted
25 and sentenced narrows the class of persons eligible for the death penalty at both the guilt and the
26 penalty phases . . . [and] was constitutional.” 270 F.3d at 924.
27

As noted, a state capital sentencing system must rationally narrow the class of death-

28 eligible defendants and permit a jury to render a reasoned, individualized sentencing
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1 determination based on a death-eligible defendant's record, personal characteristics, and the
2 circumstances of his crime. Marsh, 548 U.S. at 173-74.

A state may narrow the class of

3 murderers eligible for the death penalty in part by defining degrees of murder and limiting the
4 penalty to first degree murder. Sawyer, 505 U.S. at 342. A state may further narrow the class of
5 murderers eligible for the death penalty by “specifying [a number of] statutory aggravating
6 circumstances, one of which must be found by the jury to exist beyond a reasonable doubt before
7 a death sentence can ever be imposed.” Gregg, 428 U.S. at 196-97.
8

So long as a state’s death penalty statute “rationally narrow[s] the class of death-eligible

9 defendants” and “permit[s] a jury to render a reasoned, individualized sentencing determination,”
10 states “enjoy[] a range of discretion in imposing the death penalty . . . .” Marsh, 548 U.S. at 17311 74; see also Gregg, 428 U.S. at 195. Similarly, the Supreme Court in California v. Ramos stated
12 that “once the jury finds that the defendant falls within the legislatively defined category of
13 persons eligible for the death penalty[,]” the jury's consideration of a myriad of factors and
14 exercise of “unbridled discretion” in determining whether death is the appropriate punishment is
15 not arbitrary and capricious. 463 U.S. 992, 1008-09 (1983).
16

Petitioner concedes the Ninth Circuit and courts in this District have repeatedly rejected

17 the claim that California’s death penalty scheme fails to narrow the pool of death-eligible
18 defendants in the constitutionally required manner. (See ECF No. 210 at 221, cases cited
19 therein.); see also Karis, 283 F.3d at 1141 n.11 (California's sentencing scheme adequately
20 narrows the class of persons eligible for death).
21

Petitioner’s other constitutional challenges to California’s death penalty statute, including

22 the lack of inter-case proportionality review, fare no better, for the reasons discussed below.
23 (See Claims 26, 27, 31, herein.) As stated, California's death penalty process, which narrows the
24 class of death eligible offenders to less than the definition of first-degree murder and permits
25 consideration of all mitigating evidence, has been approved by the Supreme Court. Tuilaepa,
26 512 U.S. at 972-79; Pulley, 465 U.S. at 38.
27

Accordingly, the state supreme court reasonably could find Counsel was not

28 unreasonable in failing to pursue a meritless challenge on the federal grounds alleged. Pulley,
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1 465 U.S. at 41 (“A federal court may not issue the writ on the basis of a perceived error of state
2 law.”); Rupe, 93 F.3d at 1445 (“[T]he failure to take a futile action can never be deficient
3 performance.”); see also Reeves, 141 S. Ct. at 2407 (“[T]he absence of evidence cannot
4 overcome the strong presumption that counsel’s conduct fell within the wide range of reasonable
5 professional assistance.”)
6

(ii)

Prejudice

7

Petitioner argues that Counsel’s allegedly deficient acts and omissions resulted in an

8 arbitrary and unreliable death penalty verdict.
9

However, the state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner failed to show

10 prejudice under the Strickland standard because there was no constitutional error, for the reasons
11 stated.

That court, on the record before it, reasonably could find that Petitioner failed to

12 demonstrate an underlying constitutional violation, a denial of counsel, or a reasonably
13 probability of a different outcome absent Counsel’s allegedly deficient conduct.
14

d.

Conclusions

15

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of Claim 26 allegations of

16 ineffective assistance of counsel was not contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly
17 established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable
18 determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28
19 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
20

Claim 26 allegations of ineffective assistance of counsel shall be denied.

21

12.

22

Petitioner alleges that Counsel was ineffective by failing to raise available challenges to

Claim 27

23 the constitutionality of capital charging decisions generally in California and specifically in this
24 case, as disproportionately determined by the race and gender of the victim, the race and gender
25 of the accused, and the economic class of the accused, violating his rights under the Fifth, Sixth,
26 Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments. (ECF No. 107 at 387-92)
27

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

28

The state supreme court considered the Claim on direct appeal (Lod. Doc. 1 at 385-87),
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1 and denied it on the merits, as follows:
2
3
4
5
6
7

Defendant next raises several arguments that the state's death penalty law is
unconstitutional under the state and federal Constitutions. As outlined below, we
have addressed and rejected these claims in previous opinions, and defendant does
not convince us we should revisit those decisions. Thus, defendant claims various
of his constitutional rights were violated because the death penalty law, and the
jury instructions implementing that law:
Granted prosecutors “unbounded” discretion in deciding when to seek the death
penalty. (People v. Kraft, supra, 23 Cal.4th at p. 1078; People v. Williams, supra,
16 Cal.4th at p. 278.)

8
9 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 991-92.
10

b.

Legal Standard

11

(i)

Prosecutorial Discretion

12

The standard for prosecutorial discretion is set out in section VII, C, 3, b, (ii), herein.

13

(ii)

14

The legal standard for ineffective assistance of counsel is set out in section VII, E, 1, b,

Ineffective Assistance of Counsel

15 (ii), herein.
16

c.

Analysis

17

Petitioner argues Counsel was ineffective by failing to present appropriate challenges to

18 the charging decision which, in his case, was not based upon “any constitutionally permissible
19 factors that were consistently applied across all death penalty-eligible murder cases[,]” and was
20 disproportionate to charging decisions made by the Kern County District Attorney’s Office in
21 other cases. (ECF No. 107 at 391-92; see also the discussion of the Claim 27 factual predicate in
22 the context of constitutional error, post.)
23

(i)

Deficient Conduct

24

Petitioner argues Counsel unreasonably failed to challenge California’s charging scheme

25 generally, and particularly in this case where the capital charging decision discriminated on the
26 basis of race, class, gender, and other unspecified impermissible considerations in determining to
27 seek the death penalty.
28

Petitioner argues race-based discrimination in his capital charging decision. He argues
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1 the Kern County District Attorney’s Office had a history of racially biased charging decisions
2 and that the white prosecutor in this case considered the white victims’ race in determining
3 whether the pursue the death penalty. In support, he points to empirical studies that “the death
4 penalty is imposed and executed upon petitioners whose victims were white with a frequency
5 that is disproportionate to their representation among the number of persons arrested for, charged
6 with, or convicted of death-eligible crimes.” (ECF No. 107 at 389 citing Developments in the
7 Law, Race and Criminal Process, 101 Harv. L. Rev. 1472, 1526-29 (1988)).
8

Petitioner argues gender-based discrimination in his capital charging decision. He

9 argues the Kern County District Attorney’s Office had a history of gender biased charging
10 decisions and that the male prosecutor in this case considered Petitioner’s male gender in
11 determining whether to seek the death penalty. In support, he points to empirical studies that
12 “[t]he death sentence is imposed and executed upon men with a frequency that is
13 disproportionate to their representation among the general population, the number of persons
14 arrested for, charged with, or convicted of death-eligible crimes.” (ECF No. 107 at 389.)
15

Petitioner argues socioeconomic-based discrimination in his capital charging decision.

16 He argues the Kern County District Attorney’s Office had a history of charging decisions that
17 were biased by the economic status of the defendant and that the prosecutor in this case
18 considered his low-income status in determining whether to seek the death penalty. In support,
19 he points to statistics that “[t]he death sentence is imposed and executed upon low-income and
20 poor people with a frequency that is disproportionate to their representation among the number
21 of persons arrested for, charged with or convicted of death-eligible crimes.” (ECF No. 107 at
22 390.)
23

However, the state supreme court reasonably could have denied these allegations. The

24 Supreme Court has rejected equal protection challenges to death penalty schemes and has
25 refused to limit prosecutorial discretion in charging decisions absent some showing that a
26 particular decision was based on a discriminatory standard. See e.g., Bordenkircher v. Hayes,
27 434 U.S. 357, 364 (1978) (“So long as the prosecutor has probable cause to believe that the
28 accused committed an offense defined by statute, the decision whether or not to prosecute, and
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1 what charge to file or bring before a grand jury, generally rests entirely in his discretion.”).
2

Here, Petitioner offers no evidence specific to his case that would support an inference

3 that his race, gender, or socioeconomic status, or the victim's race or gender played a part in his
4 charging decision and sentence. (See Claim 27, post); see also e.g., Cornwell, 2018 WL 934542
5 at *122 (empirical study factually insufficient to support prima facie constitutional violation);
6 Richmond v. Lewis, 948 F.2d 1473, 1490–91 (9th Cir. 1990), vacated on other grounds, 986 F.2d
7 1583 (9th Cir. 1993) (holding that statistical evidence that Arizona's death penalty is
8 discriminatorily imposed based on race, sex, and socio-economic background is insufficient to
9 prove that decision-makers in the petitioner's case acted with discriminatory purpose); Reeves,
10 141 S.Ct. at 2407.
11

Accordingly, the state supreme court reasonably could find Counsel was not deficient by

12 failing to challenge California’s charging scheme and the charging decision in this case, on
13 grounds of unconstitutional discrimination. Rupe, 93 F.3d at 1445 (“[T]he failure to take a futile
14 action can never be deficient performance.”)
15

(ii)

Prejudice

16

Petitioner argues that Counsel’s allegedly deficient acts and omissions denied him Sixth

17 Amendment rights and a fair sentencing proceeding, constituting prejudicial error under
18 Strickland, and structural error. (ECF No. 107 at 391-92.)
19

However, the state supreme court reasonably could find Counsel’s allegedly deficient

20 conduct not to be prejudicial error under Strickland or structural error under the Sixth
21 Amendment. That court, on the record before it, reasonably could find that Petitioner failed to
22 demonstrate an underlying constitutional violation, a denial of counsel, or a reasonably
23 probability of a different outcome absent Counsel’s allegedly deficient conduct, for the reasons
24 stated.
25

d.

Conclusions

26

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of Claim 27 allegations

27 of ineffective assistance of counsel was not contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly
28 established federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable
305

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1 determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28
2 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
3

Claim 27 allegations of ineffective assistance of counsel shall be denied.

4

F.

Claims Alleging Ineffective Assistance of Appellate and Post-Conviction Counsel

5

1.

Claim 30

6

Petitioner alleges that state appellate and habeas counsel provided ineffective assistance

7 as to any Claims herein that are procedurally barred, violating his rights under the Fifth, Sixth,
8 Eight, and Fourteenth Amendments. (ECF No. 107 at 414-16.)
9
10

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

The allegations were presented to the California Supreme Court in Petitioner’s second

11 state habeas petition (Lod. Doc. 23 at 116-18), and summarily denied on the merits (Lod. Doc.
12 24).
13

b.

Legal Standard

14

The legal standard for ineffective assistance of counsel claims is set out in section VII, E,

15 1, b, (ii), herein.
16

c.

Analysis

17

Petitioner argues that any procedural bar to the Claims in the Amended Petition resulted

18 from the ineffective assistance of state appellate and post-conviction counsel, who “failed to
19 discover and present these claims to the California Supreme Court in a procedurally appropriate
20 manner.” (ECF No. 107 at 415; ECF No. 210 at 262.)
21

(i)

Deficient Conduct

22

Petitioner argues that any default in state court resulted from the unreasonable failure of

23 state appellate and habeas counsel to investigate, develop, and present such claims to the state
24 supreme court in a procedurally appropriate manner.
25

It is well-established that Petitioner had a right to the effective assistance of counsel on

26 appeal. Evitts v. Lucey, 469 U.S. 387, 396–97 (1985). To prevail on a claim that appellate
27 counsel was ineffective, Petitioner must meet the Strickland standards by showing counsel acted
28 unreasonably and that there is a reasonable probability that had counsel acted reasonably, the
306

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1 result of the proceeding would have been different. Smith v. Robbins, 528 U.S. 259, 285 (2000).
2

A reasonably effective appellate counsel should raise all “arguably meritorious issues.”

3 1989 ABA Guidelines, Guideline 11.9.2.E. Even so, appellate counsel has no constitutional
4 obligation to raise every nonfrivolous issue, even if requested by the appellant. Jones v. Barnes,
5 463 U.S. 745, 751-752 (1983) (holding that an attorney need not advance every colorable
6 argument on appeal).
7

The Supreme Court has recognized that “since time beyond memory” experienced

8 advocates “have emphasized the importance of winnowing out weaker arguments on appeal and
9 focusing on one central issue if possible, or at most on a few key issues.” Id.: see also Knowles
10 v. Mirzayance, 556 U.S. 111, 127 (2009) (“Counsel also is not required to have a tactical reason
11 - above and beyond a reasonable appraisal of a claim’s dismal prospects for success - for
12 recommending that a weak claim be dropped altogether.”); cf. Banks v. Reynolds, 54 F.3d 1508,
13 1515 (10th Cir. 1995) (failure to raise a “dead-bang winner” - an issue obvious from the record
14 which would have resulted in reversal - is ineffective).
15

It follows that the appropriate inquiry is not whether raising a particular issue on appeal

16 would have been frivolous, but whether raising it would have led to a reasonable probability of
17 reversal. Miller v. Keeney, 882 F.2d 1428, 1435 (9th Cir. 1989). Where Petitioner had only a
18 remote chance of obtaining reversal based upon an issue, neither of the Strickland prongs is
19 satisfied. Id.
20

Here, the state supreme court reasonably could reject the Claim. The record reflects that

21 appellate counsel filed a 445-page opening brief raising 43 issues of law with numerous sub22 issues (see Appellant’s Opening Brief lodged November 15, 2002, Lod. Doc. 1) and an 11 page
23 supplemental opening brief raising an additional issue of law with numerous sub-issues (see
24 Appellant’s Supplemental Brief lodged November 15, 2002, Lod. Doc. 87). Appellate counsel
25 also filed a 193 page reply brief (see Appellant’s Reply Brief lodged November 15, 2002, Lod.
26 Doc. 3) and a 30 page petition for rehearing (see Appellant’s Petition for Rehearing lodged
27 November 15, 2002, Lod. Doc. 3). The appeal was disposed of by the noted lengthy merits
28 opinion of the California Supreme Court. Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th 876 (see Appeal Opinion lodged
307

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1 November 15, 2002, Lod. Doc. 4). Petitioner presented claims not raised on appeal in collateral
2 proceedings, and the California Supreme Court considered and denied those claims on the
3 merits. (See Lod. Doc. 8 & 24.)
4

Petitioner’s federal Claims fail on the merits, for the reasons discussed above and below.

5 Thus, Petitioner has not shown appellate counsel was deficient by failing to raise on direct appeal
6 any of the Claims included in the Amended Petition. Thus, Petitioner fails to establish his claim
7 for ineffective assistance of appellate counsel.
8

As for state habeas counsel, Petitioner fails to identify clearly established authority

9 showing a right to effective assistance of counsel in habeas proceedings. See Coleman, 501 U.S.
10 at 752 (no right to counsel beyond first appeal as a matter of right). Furthermore, the Court need
11 not reach allegations raised by Petitioner only to establish “cause” to overcome procedural bar
12 under Martinez, 566 U.S. at 1. The Court has stated that it will consider any procedural default
13 issues only after resolution of the § 2254(d) issues. There is no need to consider Petitioner's
14 ineffective assistance of habeas counsel arguments at this time. In any event, Petitioner has not
15 demonstrated state habeas counsel was deficient as alleged.

As noted, Petitioner’s federal

16 Claims all fail on the merits, for the reasons stated ante and post.
17

(ii)

Prejudice

18

Petitioner argues he would be prejudiced if the allegedly deficient conduct of state

19 appellate and habeas counsel prevented this Court from reaching his federal claims. (ECF No.
20 107 at 416.)
21

However, for the reasons discussed above and below, all Petitioner’s federal Claims shall

22 be denied.

Therefore, Petitioner fails, under Strickland, to show prejudice arising from

23 procedural bar of Claims stated in the Amended Petition.
24

d.

Conclusions

25

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of the Claim was not

26 contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by
27 the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the
28 evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
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1

Claim 30 shall be denied.

2

G.

Claims Alleging Unconstitutionality of Death Sentence

3

1.

Claim 26

4

Petitioner alleges that California’s death penalty statute fails to narrow the class of

5 offenders eligible for the death penalty, violating his rights under the Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and
6 Fourteenth Amendments. (ECF No. 107 at 368-87.)
7

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

8

The California Supreme Court considered the Claim on direct appeal (Lod. Doc. 1 at 402-

9 410), and denied it on the merits, as follows:
10

13

Defendant next raises several arguments that the state's death penalty law is
unconstitutional under the state and federal Constitutions. As outlined below, we
have addressed and rejected these claims in previous opinions, and defendant does
not convince us we should revisit those decisions. Thus, defendant claims various
of his constitutional rights were violated because the death penalty law, and the
jury instructions implementing that law:

14

[…]

15

Failed adequately to narrow eligibility for the death penalty. (People v. Kraft,
supra, 23 Cal.4th at p. 1078; People v. Sakarias (2000) 22 Cal.4th 596, 632 [94
Cal.Rptr.2d 17, 995 P.2d 152].)

11
12

16
17

18 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 991-92.
19

b.

Legal Standard

20

The standard for constitutional narrowing of the application of the death penalty is set out

21 in section VII, E, 12, b, (i), herein.
22

c.

Analysis

23

Petitioner argues that California’s death penalty statute is arbitrary and capricious

24 because it fails to genuinely narrow the class of persons eligible for the death penalty. He argues
25 California’s statute “[fails to] narrow the class of death eligible individuals, separating out a
26 small group of particularly serious, more culpable, murderers from the “others found guilty of
27 murder.” (ECF No. 210 at 225 citing Stephens, 462 U.S. at 877.) He argues statutory
28 overbreadth and overlap because all first-degree felony murder cases also are special
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1 circumstance cases.
2

Petitioner points to California’s expansive list of special circumstances, twenty-seven at

3 the time of his crime and conviction, which make virtually every murderer factually eligible for
4 the death penalty, violating Furman and its progeny. Furman, 408 U.S. at 309 (the Eighth and
5 Fourteenth Amendments preclude arbitrary and capricious imposition of the death penalty). He
6 points to allegedly unguided capital charging discretion exercised by individual California
7 prosecutors. He points to the absence any requirement at the penalty phase for unanimous
8 written jury findings beyond a reasonable doubt and inter-case proportionality.
9

Petitioner also points to empirical evidence, “[a] survey of published and unpublished

10 decisions, from 1988 through 1992, on appeals from first-degree murder convictions [which]
11 establishes that more than eighty-four percent of first-degree murder cases are factually special
12 circumstance cases under the statute in place in 1997, thus rendering such murders death13 eligible.” (ECF No. 107 at 370 citing Schatz & Rivkind, The California Death Penalty Scheme:
14 Requiem for Furman, 72 N.Y.U.L. Rev. 1283, 1332-35 (1997).)
15

Petitioner further argues California’s process for weighing aggravating and mitigating

16 factors (Penal Code § 190.3) is itself internally inconsistent, arbitrary, biased in favor of death,
17 and thus insufficient to ameliorate Furman error.
18

As noted, Petitioner was convicted of first degree murder (Penal Code § 187(a)), with

19 special circumstances of multiple murder (Penal Code § 190.2(a)(3)) and two Counts of kidnap
20 murder found true pursuant (Penal Code § 190.2(a)(17)(B)). (ECF No. 107 at 369.)
21

This Court, in its discussion of the Claim 26 predicate facts in the context of ineffective

22 assistance of counsel, ante, observed that a state capital sentencing system must rationally
23 narrow the class of death-eligible defendants and permit a jury to render a reasoned,
24 individualized sentencing determination based on a death-eligible defendant's record, personal
25 characteristics, and the circumstances of his crime. See Gregg, 428 U.S. at 189 (opinion of
26 Stewart, Powell, and Stevens, JJ.); accord Tuilaepa, 512 U.S. at 973; Stephens, 462 U.S. at 874;
27 see also Marsh, 548 U.S. at 173-74 (“Where discretion is afforded a sentencing body on a matter
28 so grave as the determination of whether a human life should be taken or spared, that discretion
310

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1 must be suitably directed and limited so as to minimize the risk of wholly arbitrary and
2 capricious action.”)
3

The Supreme Court has stated that:

4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

To render a defendant eligible for the death penalty in a homicide case, we have
indicated that the trier of fact must convict the defendant of murder and find one
“aggravating circumstance” (or its equivalent) at either the guilt or penalty phase.
See, e.g., Lowenfield v. Phelps, 484 U.S. 231, 244-46 [] (1988); Zant v. Stephens,
462 U.S. 862, 878 [] (1983). The aggravating circumstance may be contained in
the definition of the crime or in a separate sentencing factor (or in both).
Lowenfield, supra, at 244-46 []. As we have explained, the aggravating
circumstance must meet two requirements. First, the circumstance may not apply
to every defendant convicted of a murder; it must apply only to a subclass of
defendants convicted of murder. See Arave v. Creech, 507 U.S. 463, 747 []
(1993) (“If the sentence fairly could conclude that an aggravating circumstance
applies to every defendant eligible for the death penalty, the circumstance is
constitutionally infirm”). Second, the aggravating circumstance may not be
unconstitutionally vague. Godfrey v. Georgia, 446 U.S. 420, 428 [] (1980)’ see
Arave, supra, 507 U.S. at 471 [] (court “‘must first determine whether the
statutory language defining the circumstance is itself too vague to provide any
guidance to the sentencer’”) (quoting Walton v. Arizona, 497 U.S. 639, 654 []
(1990)).

14
15 Tuilaepa, 512 U.S. at 971-72.
16

A state may narrow the class of murderers eligible for the death penalty in part by

17 defining degrees of murder and limiting the penalty to first degree murder. Sawyer, 505 U.S. at
18 342.

A state may further narrow the class of murderers eligible for the death penalty by

19 “specifying [a number of] statutory aggravating circumstances, one of which must be found by
20 the jury to exist beyond a reasonable doubt before a death sentence can ever be imposed.”
21 Gregg, 428 U.S. at 196-97. Such a statutory scheme, in use in most states, “narrows the class of
22 persons eligible for the death penalty according to an objective legislative definition.”
23 Lowenfield v. Phelps, 484 U.S. 231, 244 (1988). As long as a state’s death penalty statute
24 “rationally narrow[s] the class of death-eligible defendants” and “permit[s] a jury to render a
25 reasoned, individualized sentencing determination,” states “enjoy[] a range of discretion in
26 imposing the death penalty . . . .” Marsh, 548 U.S. at 173-74; see also Gregg, 428 U.S. at 195.
27

Under the California Statute, a defendant becomes eligible for the death penalty, or a

28 sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, only if the jury finds (or the
311

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1 defendant admits) one or more “special circumstances” listed in Penal Code section 190.2 to be
2 true.

Penal Code §§ 190.1, 190.4. If the prosecution elects to seek a death sentence, the

3 sentencing decision is made by a jury (unless waived) following a separate penalty phase at
4 which the parties have the opportunity to present evidence in support of aggravating or
5 mitigating factors. Penal Code § 190.3; see Tuilaepa, 512 U.S. at 975.
6

As noted, Petitioner concedes the Ninth Circuit and courts in this District have repeatedly

7 rejected the claim that California’s death penalty scheme fails to narrow the pool of death8 eligible defendants in the constitutionally required manner. (ECF No. 210 at 221, cases cited
9 therein.) Still, he argues “the question whether the California statute complies in practice with
10 the constitutionally mandated narrowing requirement remains unresolved.” (Id., citing Tuilaepa,
11 512 U.S. at 983-84 (Stevens, J., concurring).)
12

However, the state supreme court could reasonably determine that California's death

13 penalty scheme did not fail to genuinely narrow the class of murderers eligible for the death
14 penalty. California's scheme, which narrows the class of death eligible offenders to less than the
15 definition of first-degree murder and permits consideration of all mitigating evidence, has been
16 approved by the Supreme Court. Tuilaepa, 512 U.S. at 972-79; Pulley, 465 U.S. at 38; see also
17 Sanders, 546 U.S. at 224 (special-circumstance findings “are sufficient to satisfy Furman’s
18 narrowing requirement”); Karis, 283 F.3d at 1141 (the California statute satisfies the narrowing
19 requirement set forth in Stephens); accord Mayfield, 270 F.3d at 924.
20

d.

Conclusions

21

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of Claim 26 allegations of

22 constitutional error was not contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established
23 federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable determination of
24 the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
25

Claim 26 allegations of constitutional error shall be denied.

26

2.

27

Petitioner alleges that his death sentence was imposed arbitrarily and resulted from race,

Claim 27

28 class, gender, or other unconstitutional considerations, violating his rights under the Fifth, Sixth,
312

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1 Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments.31 (ECF No. 107 at 387-92.)
2

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

3

The California Supreme Court considered the Claim on direct appeal (Lod. Doc. 1 at 385-

4 87, 400-01), and denied it the merits, as follows:
5
Defendant next raises several arguments that the state's death penalty law is
unconstitutional under the state and federal Constitutions. As outlined below, we
have addressed and rejected these claims in previous opinions, and defendant does
not convince us we should revisit those decisions. Thus, defendant claims various
of his constitutional rights were violated because the death penalty law, and the
jury instructions implementing that law:

6
7
8

Granted prosecutors “unbounded” discretion in deciding when to seek the death
penalty. (People v. Kraft, supra, 23 Cal.4th at p. 1078; People v. Williams, supra,
16 Cal.4th at p. 278.)

9
10
11

12 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 991-92.
13

b.

Legal Standard

14

The standard for prosecutorial discretion is set out in section VII, C, 3, b, (ii), herein.

15

c.

16

Petitioner argues the prosecutor’s capital charging decision discriminated against him on

Analysis

17 the basis of race, class, gender, and other unspecified constitutionally impermissible
18 considerations in determining to seek the death penalty. (See Claim 27, ante, discussing the
19 factual predicate in the context of ineffective assistance of counsel; ECF No. 210 at 227.) He
20 argues the capital charging decision in his case was not based upon “any constitutionally
21 permissible factors that were consistently applied across all death penalty-eligible murder
22 cases[,]” and was disproportionate to charging decisions made by the Kern County District
23 Attorney’s Office in other cases. (ECF No. 107 at 391.) According to Petitioner, multiple
24 impermissible considerations, factored into the capital charging decision in his case.
Petitioner argues the Kern County District Attorney’s Office had a history of racially

25

26 biased charging decisions. He argues the white prosecutor in this case considered the white
27 victims’ race in determining whether the pursue the death penalty. He argues this pattern of
28

31

Petitioner states that he incorporates the factual basis of Claim 11. (ECF No. 107 at 388.)

313

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1 racial discrimination in charging decisions is consistent with empirical studies that “the death
2 penalty is imposed and executed upon petitioners whose victims were white with a frequency
3 that is disproportionate to their representation among the number of persons arrested for, charged
4 with, or convicted of death-eligible crimes.” (ECF No. 107 at 389.)
5

Petitioner argues the Kern County District Attorney’s Office had a history of gender

6 biased charging decisions. He argues the male prosecutor in this case considered Petitioner’s
7 male gender in determining whether to seek the death penalty. He argues this pattern of gender
8 based discrimination in charging decisions is consistent with empirical studies that “[t]he death
9 sentence is imposed and executed upon men with a frequency that is disproportionate to their
10 representation among the general population, [and] the number of persons arrested for, charged
11 with, or convicted of death-eligible crimes.” (ECF No. 107 at 389.)
12

Petitioner argues the Kern County District Attorney’s Office had a history of charging

13 decisions that were biased by the economic status of the defendant. He argues the prosecutor in
14 this case considered his low-income status in determining whether to seek the death penalty. He
15 argues this pattern of economic status discrimination in charging decisions is consistent with
16 statistics that “[t]he death sentence is imposed and executed upon low-income and poor people
17 with a frequency that is disproportionate to their representation among the general population,
18 [and] the number of persons arrested for, charged with or convicted of death-eligible crimes.”
19 (ECF No. 107 at 390.)
20

However, as discussed above, the Supreme Court has held that the mere existence of

21 prosecutorial discretion over charging decisions does not deny equal protection or render a
22 capital punishment scheme unconstitutional absent some showing that a particular decision was
23 based on a discriminatory standard, and thus arbitrary and capricious. See McCleskey, 481 U.S.
24 at 306-07; Hayes, 434 U.S. at 364; (“So long as the prosecutor has probable cause to believe that
25 the accused committed an offense defined by statute, the decision whether or not to prosecute,
26 and what charge to file or bring before a grand jury, generally rests entirely in his discretion.”).
27

The state supreme court reasonably could find that Petitioner offered no evidence specific

28 to his case which would support an inference that his race, gender, or socioeconomic status, or
314

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1 the victim's race or gender played a part in his sentence. See e.g., Cornwell, 2018 WL 934542 at
2 *122 (E.D. Cal. Feb. 15, 2018) (“The United States Supreme Court has rejected equal protection
3 challenges to death penalty schemes and has refused to limit prosecutorial discretion in charging
4 decisions absent some showing that a particular decision was based on a discriminatory
5 standard.”); Richmond, 948 F.2d at 1490–91 (holding that statistical evidence that Arizona's
6 death penalty is discriminatorily imposed based on race, sex, and socio-economic background is
7 insufficient to prove that decision-makers in the petitioner's case acted with discriminatory
8 purpose).
9

d.

Conclusions

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of Claim 27 allegations of

10

11 constitutional error was not contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established
12 federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable determination of
13 the facts in light of the evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
14

Claim 27 allegations of constitutional error shall be denied.

15

3.

16

Petitioner alleges he is mentally disordered such that his death sentence violates

Claim 29

17 customary international law and jus cogens binding on the United States, in turn violating his
18 rights under Article VI, section 2 of the Constitution of the United States. 32 (ECF No. 107 at
19 408-14.)
20

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

21

The Claim was presented to the California Supreme Court in Petitioner’s second state

22 habeas petition (Lod. Doc. 23 at 108-15), and summarily denied on the merits (Lod. Doc. 24).
23

b.

Legal Standard

24

(i)

Federal Habeas Jurisdiction

25

Federal courts have habeas jurisdiction only to the extent that the petition asserts a

26 violation of “the Constitution or laws or treaties of the United States.” 28 U.S.C. § 2254(a).
27
28

Federal courts may grant habeas relief to persons who are in state custody as a result of
32

Petitioner states that he incorporates the factual basis of Claims 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 28. (ECF No. 107 at 409.)

315

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1 judgment rendered in violation of the Constitution or laws or treaties of the United States. 28
2 U.S.C. § 2241(c)(3).
3

(ii)

Cruel and Unusual Punishment

4

The Eighth Amendment prohibits punishments that are “incompatible with the evolving

5 standards of decency that mark the progress of a maturing society.” Estelle v. Gamble, 429 U.S.
6 97, 102 (1976). Executions that “involve the unnecessary and wanton infliction of pain,” Gregg,
7 428 U.S. at 173, or that “involve torture or a lingering death,” In re Kemmler, 136 U.S. 436, 447
8 (1890), are not permitted.
9

“[T]he Cruel and Unusual Punishments Clause prohibits the infliction of uncivilized and

10 inhuman punishments. The State, even as it punishes, must treat its members with respect for
11 their intrinsic worth as human beings. A punishment is ‘cruel and unusual,’ therefore, if it does
12 not comport with human dignity.” Furman, 408 U.S. at 270.
13

The mental suffering, demoralization, uncertainty and consequent psychological hurt

14 inherent in the punishment must be considered in interpreting Eighth Amendment. Id. at 271,
15 272.
16

An execution “cannot be so totally without penological justification that it results in the

17 gratuitous infliction of suffering.” Gregg, 428 U.S. at 183.
18

The assessment should be whether punishment is cruel and unusual in consideration of

19 the standards of decency that mark the progress of a maturing society, or standards of decency
20 that are more or less universally accepted. Id.
21

c.

Analysis

22

Petitioner argues that international law, also known as jus cogens, and particularly the

23 customary law of human rights precluding execution of the mentally disordered , is enforceable
24 as supreme federal law. (ECF No. 107 at 409-11 citing The Paquete Habana, 175 U.S. 677, 700
25 (1900)); Rest.3d Foreign Relations Law of the United States § 702, Comment “c” (1987) (“[T]he
26 customary law of human rights is part of the law of the United States to be applied as such by
27 state as well as federal courts”); Filartiga v. Pena-Irala, 630 F.2d 876, 877 (2d Cir. 1980) (“Upon
28 ratification of the Constitution, the thirteen former colonies were fused into a single nation, one
316

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1 which, in its relations with foreign states, is bound both to observe and construe the accepted
2 norms of international law.”); see also ECF No. 210 at 252-57 citing Simmons, 543 U.S. at 575
3 (explaining that the Supreme Court historically “has referred to the laws of other countries and to
4 international authorities as instructive for its interpretation of the Eighth Amendment’s
5 prohibition of ‘cruel and unusual punishments”), the International Covenant on Civil and
6 Political Rights (“ICCPR”), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the American
7 Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man, the United Nations Convention Against Torture
8 and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the Convention Against All
9 Forms of Racial Discrimination, and the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.)
10

Petitioner argues that on the facts and circumstances of this case as argued in the

11 Amended Petition, application of the death penalty is contrary to the ICCPR’s evolving
12 international norms and mores moving away from the death penalty. (Id.) He points to evidence
13 that he is mentally disordered and exempt from execution under international law. He points to
14 evidence of his “lifelong mental and psychological impairments” including “temporal lobe
15 damage and schizophrenia.” (ECF No. 210 at 252 citing Claims 3, 4, 5, and 28, herein.)
16

Still, Petitioner concedes that federal courts have not embraced the ICCPR. The United

17 States Supreme Court and the Ninth Circuit have both held that the ICCPR is not enforceable in
18 the federal courts. Sosa v. Alvarez-Machain, 542 U.S. 692, 735 (2004); Serra v. Lappin, 600
19 F.3d 1191, 1197 (9th Cir. 2010). (ECF No. 210 at 256.). Moreover, the United States ratified
20 the ICCPR subject to reservation of the right to impose capital punishment subject only
21 constitutional constraints. See 138 Cong. Rec. S-4781-01, S4783 (1992). Even if the ICCPR
22 were viewed as self-executing, its provisions do not prohibit the death penalty, but rather merely
23 limit its application including as to arbitrary deprivation of life and execution of the severely
24 mentally ill. See e.g., Atkins, 536 U.S. at 316 n.21 (death penalty held unconstitutional for the
25 intellectually disabled).
26

The state supreme court reasonably could reject the Claim. Notably, that court has found

27 California’s death penalty process, when applied in accord with state and federal statutory and
28 constitutional requirements, does not violate international law. People v. Lewis, 43 Cal.4th 415,
317

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1 539 (2008), rejected on other grounds by People v. Black, 58 Cal. 4th 912 (2014). International
2 norms of human decency do not render the death penalty, applied as a regular form of
3 punishment, violative of the Eighth Amendment. People v. Curl, 46 Cal.4th 339, 362-63 (2009).
4

Petitioner fails to point to clearly established Supreme Court precedent at the time his

5 conviction became final, that capital punishment was illegal in this country based on
6 international law. To the contrary, it appears that such challenges to imposition of the death
7 penalty have been repeatedly rejected. See Buell v. Mitchell, 274 F.3d 337, 376 (6th Cir. 2001)
8 (“[C]ourts that have considered the question of whether international law bars capital punishment
9 in the United States have uniformly concluded that it does not.”). In Carter v. Chappell, 2013
10 WL 781910 at *80, (C.D. Cal. Mar. 1, 2013), the district court noted that “[c]learly established
11 federal law does not hold the death penalty to violate international law or the federal
12 Constitution.” Similarly, in Rowland v. Chappell, 902 F. Supp. 2d 1296, 1339 (N.D. Cal. 2012),
13 the district court rejected an essentially identical claim, stating that “[p]etitioner cannot
14 demonstrate that any claim of a violation of international law is even cognizable on federal
15 habeas review, given that such review is designed to address claims that a petitioner is in custody
16 in violation of the Constitution or laws or treaties of the United States.”
17

In Coleman v. Mitchell, the Sixth Circuit explained that “the claim that international law

18 completely bars this nation’s use of the death penalty is unsupportable since the United States is
19 not party to any treaty that prohibits capital punishment per se, and since total abolishment of
20 capital punishment has not yet risen to the level of customary international law.” 268 F.3d 417,
21 443 n.12 (6th Cir. 2001); see also Medellin v. Dretke, 544 U.S. 660, 664 (2005) (Vienna
22 Convention did not create individual judicially enforceable rights); Sosa, 542 U.S. at 734-35 (UN
23 Charter, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and International Convention on Civil and
24 Political Rights do not create obligations enforceable in federal court); People v. Ghent, 43 Cal.
25 3d 739, 778-79 (1987) (United Nations charter does not supersede domestic legislation); People
26 v. Brown, 33 Cal. 4th 382, 404 (2004) (“International law does not prohibit a sentence of death
27 rendered in accordance with state and federal constitutional and statutory requirements.”).
28

The determination of whether customary international law prevents a State from carrying
318

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1 out the death penalty, when the State otherwise is acting in full compliance with the Constitution,
2 is a question that is reserved to the executive and legislative branches of the United States
3 government, as it their constitutional role to determine the extent of this country's international
4 obligations and how best to carry them out. See Buell, 274 F.3d at 376; accord Vieira, 2015 WL
5 641433 at *178.
6

Moreover, Petitioner has not demonstrated that international law creates a private right of

7 action prohibiting application of the death penalty in his case. The principles of international law
8 apply to disputes between sovereign governments and not between individuals. Hanoch Tel9 Oren v. Libyan Arab Republic, 517 F. Supp. 542, 545-47 (D.D.C. 1981). The Ninth Circuit is in
10 accord that “customary international law is not a source of judicially enforceable private rights in
11 the absence of a statute conferring jurisdiction over such claims.” Serra, 600 F.3d at 1197. Also,
12 Petitioner fails to provide persuasive evidence demonstrating that the abolition of capital
13 punishment has “risen to the level that the international community as a whole recognizes it as
14 jus cogens, or a norm from which no derogation is permitted.” See Buell, 274 F.3d at 373.
15

Petitioner also fails to proffer clearly established federal law that that customary

16 international law bars the imposition of the death penalty on a defendant who suffers from a
17 mental disorder. (See ECF No. 210 at 252-61.) The state supreme court reasonably could reject
18 Petitioner’s argument that this Court should extend clearly established federal law precluding
19 execution of children (see Roper, 543 U.S. at 568–69), and the incompetent and insane (see
20 Atkins, 536 U.S. at 320–21; Ford, 477 U.S. at 410), to prohibit execution of the merely mentally
21 ill. He argues that his mental impairments and mental illness are similar to the mentally retarded
22 persons and children protected from execution by Atkins, 536 U.S. at 320–21, and Roper, 543
23 U.S. at 568–69.
24

Although the Constitution prohibits the execution of children and persons whose mental

25 illness renders them insane or incompetent, it does not prohibit the execution of defendants like
26 Petitioner. See Roper, 543 U.S. at 568–69; Atkins, 536 U.S. at 320–21; Ford, 477 U.S. at 410
27 (establishing that the Eighth Amendment prohibits the execution of the insane). Further, neither
28 the Supreme Court nor this circuit has extended the Atkins/Roper protections to the mentally ill
319

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1 whose illness does not reach that of incompetency or insanity. See e.g., Cornwell, 2018 WL
2 934542 at *129.
3

To extend Atkins and Roper to prohibit the execution of the merely mentally ill would

4 constitute a new rule of constitutional law. See Woodall, 572 U.S. at 426 (“AEDPA's carefully
5 constructed framework would be undermined if habeas courts introduced rules not clearly
6 established under the guise of extensions to existing law. Absent a decision from the Supreme
7 Court barring the execution of mentally ill prisoners, this Court rejects Petitioner's claim that he
8 is exempt from execution because he is mentally ill.
9

Additionally, incompetency-to-be-executed claims do not become justiciable until an

10 execution becomes imminent, and no execution date has yet been set for Petitioner. See Panetti,
11 551 U.S. at 947; Martinez–Villareal, 523 U.S. at 644–45; see also Pizzuto v. Tewalt, No. 2012 36044, 2021 WL 1904595 at *5 (9th Cir. May 12, 2021) (in a 42 U.S.C. § 1983 proceeding
13 considering ripeness in context of Idaho’s alleged failure to provide information relevant to
14 execution protocol, method of execution claim becomes ripe when the method is chosen).
15

The California Supreme Court has found that international norms of human decency do

16 not render the death penalty, applied as a regular form of punishment, violative of the Eighth
17 Amendment. People v. Cowan, 50 Cal. 4th 401, 510 (2010). That court specifically has rejected
18 international law as a basis for finding unconstitutional capital punishment and the lengthy
19 delays it can entail. See People v. Bolden, 29 Cal. 4th 515, 567 (2002) (“[W]e are not persuaded
20 that international law prohibits a sentence of death rendered in accordance with state and federal
21 constitutional and statutory requirements.”).
22

Finally, to the extent Petitioner supports alleged international law violations with certain

23 of his other Claims in this proceeding, those Claims all fail for the reasons stated ante and post.
24

d.

Conclusions

25

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of the Claim was not

26 contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by
27 the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the
28 evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
320

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1

Claim 29 shall be denied.

2

4.

3

Petitioner alleges the method of execution in California violates his rights under the Fifth,

Claim 31

4 Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments. (ECF No. 107 at 417-24.)
5

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

6

The Claim was presented to the California Supreme Court in Petitioner’s first state

7 habeas petition (Lod. Doc.7 at 463-77), and summarily denied on the merits (Lod. Doc. 8).
8

b.

Legal Standard

9

The standard for cruel and unusual punishment claims is set out in section VII, H, 4, b,

10 (ii), herein.
11

c.

Analysis

12

Petitioner argues that lethal injection under California’s protocol violates the prohibition

13 against cruel and unusual punishment. (ECF No. 107 at 417-18 citing Department of
14 Corrections and Rehabilitation Operational Procedure 0-770; Morales v. Tilton, 465 F. Supp. 2d
15 972 (2006).) He argues that California’s alternative method of execution by lethal gas, is
16 likewise cruel and unusual punishment. (ECF No. 107 at 417 citing Penal Code § 3604; Fierro
17 v. Gomez, 865 F. Supp. 1387, 1415 (N.D. Cal. 1994), vacated by Fierro v. Terhune, 147 F.3d
18 1158 (9th Cir. 1998).)
19

Even so, Petitioner suggests the Court should not issue a final ruling on this Claim

20 because he does not know the method by which California intends to execute him; litigation over
21 California’s lethal injection protocol continues; and a 42 U.S.C. § 1983 proceeding may be
22 available to provide appropriate relief. (ECF No. 210 at 264.)
23

The Court finds the Claim is premature, and shall deny it as moot, as discussed below.

24

(i)

25

The state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner failed to demonstrate habeas

Lack of Jurisdiction and Standing

26 jurisdiction over the Claim. The Supreme Court has explained that “a method-of-execution
27 claim must be brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 because such a claim does not attack the validity
28 of the prisoner's conviction or death sentence.” Glossip v. Gross, 576 U.S. 863, 879 (2015) ; see
321

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1 also Hill v. McDonough, 547 U.S. 573, 582 (2006) (habeas relief unavailable on “as applied”
2 challenge under § 1983 to application of the state’s lethal injection protocol on grounds of
3 unnecessary suffering); see also Brown v. Ornoski, 503 F.3d 1006, 1017 n.5 (9th Cir. 2007)
4 (same).
5

Even if the Claim were cognizable in federal habeas, the state supreme court reasonably

6 could find Petitioner lacks standing to raise it. California allows inmates to choose, not later than
7 ten (10) days following service upon the inmate of an execution warrant, whether execution shall
8 be by lethal injection or lethal gas. Penal Code § 3604(b).
9

Here, Petitioner retains the option of choosing either of the statutory methods of

10 execution because no execution warrant has issued. See Fierro, 147 F.3d at 1160 (inmate lacked
11 standing to challenge constitutionality of California’s method of execution by lethal gas where
12 inmate did not choose and was not subject to execution by lethal gas); see also Pizzuto, 2021
13 WL 1904595 at *5 (in a § 1983 proceeding considering ripeness in context of Idaho’s alleged
14 failure to provide information relevant to execution protocol, method of execution claim
15 becomes ripe when the method is chosen); Payton v. Cullen, 658 F.3d 890, 893 (9th Cir. 2011)
16 (dismissing as unripe plaintiffs’ challenge to California's execution protocol, because the extant
17 protocol had been judicially invalidated and no new protocol had been issued); Andrews, 944
18 F.3d at 1122 n.16 (dismissing as unripe an Eighth Amendment lethal injection claim where no
19 execution protocol was in place).
Habeas Challenge to California’s Lethal Injection Protocol is Premature

20

(ii)

21

To the extent Petitioner challenges the use of lethal injection generally, his claim is

22 precluded by the Supreme Court’s decision in Baze v. Rees. 553 U.S. 35, 48 (2008) (“[The
23 Supreme Court] has never invalidated a State's chosen procedure for carrying out a sentence of
24 death as the infliction of cruel and unusual punishment.”). The Supreme Court in Baze,
25 reviewing an Eighth Amendment challenge to Kentucky’s lethal injection protocol, upheld the
26 use of lethal injection as a method of carrying out the death penalty. Id. at 48, 62-63. The Court
27 observed that the Eighth Amendment prohibits “wanton exposure to objectively intolerable risk,
28 not simply the possibility of pain.” Id. at 61-62.
322

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1

To the extent Petitioner challenges California’s lethal injection protocol specifically, his

2 claim is premature on the grounds discussed below.
Petitioner’s Execution is not Imminent

3

(A)

4

Petitioner has not shown an execution date has been set in his case. His execution is not

5 imminent. See Martinez-Villareal, 523 U.S. at 644-45 (claim concerning competency to be
6 executed previously dismissed as premature because execution was not imminent); Poland v.
7 Stewart, 117 F.3d 1094, 1104-05, (9th Cir. 1997) (claim relating to lethal gas as method of
8 execution not ripe for judicial decision); Cook v. Brewer, 649 F.3d 915, 918 (9th Cir. 2011)
9 (Eighth Amendment violation requires showing of risk that is sure or very likely to cause
10 needless suffering and sufficiently imminent dangers); Andrews, 944 F.3d at 1122 n.16
11 (dismissing as unripe an Eighth Amendment lethal injection claim where no execution protocol
12 was in place).
13

(B)

California is Without a Lethal Injection Protocol

14

The execution protocol in place when Petitioner filed his 2009 Amended Petition was

15 subsequently revised and then repealed by gubernatorial executive order in the form of an
16 executive moratorium on the death penalty. See Cal. Code Regs. tit. 15 § 3349.1(i) (2018);
17 Briggs, 3 Cal. 5th at 831; Executive Order N-09-19 (repealing California’s lethal injection
18 protocol).
19

A method-of-execution challenge is not ripe when the respondent state has no protocol

20 that can be implemented at the time of the challenge. See Payton, 658 F.3d at 893; accord Floyd,
21 949 F.3d at 1152.
22

For the reasons stated, the Claim fails to allege the unconstitutionality of California’s

23 repealed lethal injection protocol.
24

Additionally, to the extent Petitioner requests that his death sentence be vacated, he fails

25 to provide legal authority that the alleged unconstitutionality of California’s method of execution
26 of sentence impacts the validity of his death sentence. (See ECF No. 107 at 444; see also People
27 v. Welch, 20 Cal. 4th 701, 771 (1999) (constitutionality of the method of execution bears solely
28 on the legality of the execution of sentence and not on the validity of the sentence itself).
323

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1

d.

Conclusions

2

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of the Claim was not

3 contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by
4 the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the
5 evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
6

Claim 31 shall be denied as moot.

7

5.

8

Petitioner alleges that execution following a long period of confinement while under

Claim 32

9 sentence of death violates his rights under the Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments.
10 (ECF No. 107 at 424-30.)
11

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

12

The Claim was presented to the California Supreme Court in Petitioner’s first state

13 habeas petition (Lod. Doc.7 at 478-82), and summarily denied on the merits (Lod. Doc. 8).
14

b.

Legal Standard

15

The standard for cruel and unusual punishment is set out in section VII, H, 4, b, (ii),

16 herein.
17

c.

Analysis

18

Petitioner argues that execution following extended confinement under sentence of death

19 is cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment and international law, devoid of
20 penological justification in the form of retribution and deterrence. (ECF No. 107 at 427 citing
21 Lackey v. Texas, 514 U.S. 1045 (1995) (Stevens, J., joined by Breyer, J., respecting the denial of
22 certiorari); ECF No. 210 at 266-270.)
23

Petitioner argues that “California[‘s] death penalty post-conviction procedures failed to

24 provide [him] with a constitutionally full and fair [and] timely review of his conviction and death
25 sentence.” (ECF No. 107 at 424.) He argues “[t]he delays in [his] case were caused by factors
26 over which he exercised no discretion or control.” (ECF No. 107 at 425.) He states that, while
27 he was sentenced to death on April 4, 1985 and his notice of appeal was filed on April 11, 1985,
28 his direct appeal was not finally denied until October 24, 2001, and his first state petition for writ
324

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1 of habeas corpus was not denied until November 14, 2001. (ECF No. 107 at 424.) The record
2 reflects Petitioner’s second state petition for writ of habeas corpus was not denied until August
3 26, 2009. (Lod. Doc. No. 24.)
4

Petitioner argues that during his many years on death row, he has suffered “the anxiety of

5 impending death and the restricted activity allowed death row inmates.” (ECF No. 107 at 425.)
6 He points out the international community recognizes that “prolonged confinement under these
7 circumstances is cruel and degrading and in violation of international human rights law.” (ECF
8 No. 107 at 426 citing Pratt v. Attorney General for Jamaica, 4 All. E.R. 769 (Privy Council)
9 (1993); Soering v. United Kingdom, 11 E.H.R.R. 439, 111 (Euro. Ct. of Human Rights).
10

The Supreme Court has stated that the mental suffering, demoralization, uncertainty and

11 consequent psychological hurt inherent in the punishment must be considered in interpreting
12 Eighth Amendment. See Furman, 408 U.S. at 271-72. Furthermore, an execution “cannot be so
13 totally without penological justification that it results in the gratuitous infliction of suffering.”
14 Gregg, 428 U.S. at 183.
15

Here, the California Supreme Court's rejection of this claim was not unreasonable.

16 Petitioner does not cite any clearly established Supreme Court authority that a prolonged
17 detention is cruel and unusual punishment. He concedes the Ninth Circuit has rejected the claim
18 that extraordinary delay and lengthy confinement under sentence of death renders the death
19 sentence invalid. (ECF No. 210 at 266 citing Allen v. Ornoski, 435 F.3d 946, 956-59 (9th Cir.
20 2006) (“The Supreme Court has never held that execution after a long tenure on death row is
21 cruel and unusual punishment . . . Allen cannot credibly claim that there is any clearly
22 established law, as determined by the Supreme Court, which would support this . . . claim.”));
23 see also McKenzie v. Day, 57 F.3d 1461, 1466-67 (9th Cir. 1995) (casting doubt that delays
24 caused by satisfying the Eighth Amendment can violate it); Smith v. Mahoney, 611 F.3d 978,
25 997-98 (9th Cir. 2010) (citing McKenzie and finding Lackey claim barred by Teague v. Lane,
26 489 U.S. 299, 316 (1989); Andrews v. Davis, 866 F.3d 994, 1039 (9th Cir. 2017) (same),
27 (rehearing en banc) 944 F.3d 1092 (9th Cir. 2019); People v. Taylor, 26 Cal. 4th 1155, 1176-77
28 (2001) (rejecting claim that relatively lengthy period of incarceration constitutes cruel and
325

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1 unusual punishment on grounds such delay is necessary to permit careful appellate review).
2

Justice Stevens, in his memorandum respecting denial of certiorari in Lackey, suggested

3 this issue needed further study. 514 U.S. 1045. Lackey indicates that the issue has never been
4 squarely addressed by the Supreme Court, nor have lower courts in the United States given the
5 issue ample consideration. Id.
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27

Four years later, Justice Thomas stated in concurring on a denial of certiorari, that:
I am unaware of any support in the American constitutional tradition or in this
Court's precedent for the proposition that a defendant can avail himself of the
panoply of appellate and collateral procedures and then complain when his
execution is delayed.
Knight v. Florida, 528 U.S. 990 (1999).
At least one other circuit has held that the time consumed by a petitioner's direct and
collateral review proceedings “is a function of the desire of our courts, state and federal, to get it
right, to explore exhaustively, or at least sufficiently, any argument that might save someone's
life.” Johns v. Bowersox, 203 F.3d 538, 547 (8th Cir. 2000) (quoting Chambers v. Bowersox,
157 F.3d 560, 570 (8th Cir. 1998)).
In any event, since the Supreme Court has not decided the issue, the state court's decision
could not be contrary to or an unreasonable application of Supreme Court precedent. Musladin,
549 U.S. at 77; Sims v. Rowland, 414 F.3d 1148, 1153 (9th Cir. 2005) (same).
d.

Conclusions

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of the Claim was not
contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by
the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the
evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
Claim 32 shall be denied.
6.

Claim 33

Petitioner alleges that he was denied a jury determination of the facts necessary to
sentence him to death, violating his rights under the Fifth, Sixth, Eight, and Fourteenth

28
326

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1 Amendments. (ECF No. 107 at 430-38.)
2

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

3

The California Supreme Court considered the Claim on direct appeal (Lod. Doc. 1 at 372-

4 76), and denied it on the merits, stating that:
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

Defendant next raises several arguments that the state's death penalty law is
unconstitutional under the state and federal Constitutions. As outlined below, we
have addressed and rejected these claims in previous opinions, and defendant does
not convince us we should revisit those decisions. Thus, defendant claims various
of his constitutional rights were violated because the death penalty law, and the
jury instructions implementing that law:
Failed to inform the jury it must unanimously find an aggravating factor exists
before that factor may be considered. (People v. Kipp, supra, 18 Cal.4th at p.
381.)
Failed to inform the jury it must find aggravating circumstances outweigh
mitigating circumstances and that death is an appropriate penalty beyond a
reasonable doubt. (People v. Box (2000) 23 Cal.4th 1153, 1217 [99 Cal.Rptr.2d
69, 5 P.3d 130].) Counsel was not ineffective for failing to request a reasonable
doubt instruction at the penalty phase.
Failed to impose on the jury a standard of proof for the penalty phase. (People v.
Carpenter (1997) 15 Cal.4th 312, 417-418 [63 Cal.Rptr.2d 1, 935 P.2d 708].)
Counsel was not ineffective for failing to request that the jury be instructed on
some standard of proof at the penalty phase.
Failed to require the jury provide written findings. (People v. Kraft, supra, 23
Cal.4th at p. 1078; People v. Williams, supra, 16 Cal.4th at pp. 276-277.) Counsel
was not ineffective for failing to request that the jury be required to return written
findings at the penalty phase.

19
20 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 991-92
21

b.

Legal Standard

22

(i)

Sentencing Determination

23

Facts supporting an increase in sentence greater than jury’s guilty verdict must be proved

24 beyond a reasonable doubt. Apprendi v. New Jersey, 530 U.S.466, 490 (2000).
25

Once a jury finds the defendant to be death eligible, the jury may be given “unbridled

26 discretion in determining whether the death penalty should be imposed” upon a death eligible
27 defendant. Tuilaepa, 512 U.S. at 979-80.
28

“[T]here is no . . . constitutional requirement of unfettered sentencing discretion in the
327

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1 jury, and States are free to structure and shape consideration of mitigating evidence in an effort
2 to achieve a more rational and equitable administration of the death penalty.” Boyde, 494 U.S. at
3 377 (quoting Franklin, 487 U.S. at 181) (plurality opinion); see also Marsh, 548 U.S. at 175 (no
4 specific method for balancing aggravating and mitigating factors in a capital case sentencing
5 proceeding is constitutionally required).
6

(ii)

Due Process

7

Due process is violated where the resulting criminal trial is fundamentally unfair.

8 Chambers, 410 U.S. at 294, 303.
9

c.

Analysis

Petitioner argues that his death sentence is unconstitutional because “jurors were not

10

11 instructed that all aggravating factors must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, that
12 aggravation must be found to outweigh mitigation beyond a reasonable doubt, that death must be
13 found to be the appropriate penalty beyond a reasonable doubt and that they must unanimously
14 agree on the circumstances in aggravation that supported their verdict.”33 (ECF No. 107 at 43015 32 citing Jones v. United States, 526 U.S. 227, 243 n.6 (1999); Apprendi, 530 U.S. at 471-72,
16 494, and Ring, 536 U.S. at 606, 609; see also ECF No. 210 at 272, 430-31.)
The record reflects that Petitioner’s penalty phase jury was instructed pursuant to Penal

17

18 Code section 190.3 that:
19
After having heard all of the evidence, and after having heard and considered the
arguments of counsel, you shall consider, take into account and be guided by the
applicable factors of aggravating and mitigating circumstances upon which you
have been instructed.

20
21
22

If you conclude that the aggravating circumstances outweigh the mitigating
circumstances, you shall impose a sentence of death. However, if you determine
that the mitigating circumstances outweigh the aggravating circumstances, you
shall impose a sentence of confinement in the state prison for life without the
possibility of parole.

23
24
25

You shall now retire and select one of your number to act as foreman, who will
preside over your deliberations. In order to make a determination as to the
penalty, all twelve jurors must agree.

26
27
33

Petitioner concedes his jury was required to find beyond a reasonable doubt aggravation under Penal Code section

28 190.3(b) for “prior violent criminal activity.” (See ECF No. 107 at 431 n.21.)
328

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1 (CT 1677, CALJIC 8.84.2 as modified.)
2

Particularly, Petitioner argues that under Penal Code section 190.3, the weighing finding

3 during the penalty phase exposes a defendant to a greater punishment (i.e. death) than that
4 authorized by the jury’s verdict of first degree murder with a true finding of a special
5 circumstance (i.e. life in prison without parole). The weighing determination, according to
6 Petitioner, is therefore the functional equivalent of a fact finding. (ECF No. 214 at 75, citing
7 Woodward v. Alabama, 134 S.Ct. 405, 410-11 (2013) (Sotomayor, J., dissenting from denial of
8 cert.). He cites Apprendi and suggests that before a defendant to may sentenced to death, the
9 jury must make additional factual findings unanimously and beyond a reasonable doubt in the
10 penalty phase including that aggravating factor(s) are true and outweigh mitigating factor(s). Id.;
11 see also Penal Code § 190.3; Apprendi, 530 U.S. at 490.
12

However, the capital sentencing determination by California jurors is moral and

13 normative and does not require unanimous written findings pursuant to a standard of proof or
14 presumption in favor of life. See e.g., Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 984–87. The Supreme Court has
15 held that no “specific method of balancing mitigating and aggravating factors in a capital
16 sentencing proceeding is constitutionally required.” Marsh, 548 U.S. at 175.
17

As noted, California’s death penalty sentencing scheme has been consistently upheld as

18 constitutional by the Supreme Court. Tuilaepa, 512 U.S. at 975-80; Pulley, 465 U.S. at 53; see
19 also Williams, 52 F.3d at 1485 (failure to require a specific finding that death is the appropriate
20 penalty beyond a reasonable doubt does not render California’s death penalty statute
21 unconstitutional).
22

Petitioner has not pointed to clearly established Supreme Court authority that under

23 California’s death penalty statute, penalty phase determinations implicate any burden of proof
24 much less a reasonable doubt standard of proof. See Floyd, 949 F.3d at 1144 (observing that the
25 federal courts of appeals have uniformly rejected the argument that Apprendi and Ring require a
26 reasonable doubt instruction at the penalty phase because a jury’s balancing inquiry in a capital
27 case is a subjective and moral one, not a factual one). His reliance upon Ring and Apprendi is
28 misplaced. Apprendi does not require a jury to find beyond a reasonable doubt the applicability
329

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1 of a specific section 190.3 sentencing factor.

See Tuilaepa, 512 U.S. at 975.

Moreover,

2 Petitioner has not demonstrated that Ring, which was decided on June 4, 2002, applied to his
3 proceeding in which his conviction became final prior to that date.
4

Also, Petitioner was not being tried for the unadjudicated conduct offered at the penalty

5 phase. Thus, the unanimity safeguard was unnecessary. Aggravating circumstances are not
6 separate penalties, but are standards to guide the making of the choice between death and life
7 imprisonment. People v. Raley, 2 Cal. 4th 870, 910 (1992), superseded by statute as stated in
8 People v. Brooks, 3 Cal. 5th 1 (2017). A factor set forth in Penal Code section 190.3 does not
9 require a “yes” or “no” answer to a specific question, but points the sentencer to the subject
10 matter which guides the choice between the two punishments. Tuilaepa, 512 U.S. at 975.
11

Petitioner does not identify any clearly established Supreme Court precedent that a jury

12 must unanimously find prior unadjudicated criminal activity to be true in order to consider it as a
13 factor in aggravation during the penalty phase of a capital case. Rather, the Supreme Court has
14 made clear that “the constitutional prohibition on arbitrary and capricious capital sentencing
15 determinations is not violated by a capital sentencing scheme that permits the jury to exercise
16 unbridled discretion in determining whether the death penalty should be imposed after it has
17 found that the defendant is a member of the class made eligible for that penalty by statute.”
18 Ramos, 463 U.S. at 1008 n.22 (quoting Zant, 462 U.S. at 875).
19

Under California law “neither death nor life is presumptively appropriate or

20 inappropriate under any set of circumstances, but in all cases the determination of the
21 appropriate penalty remains a question for each individual juror.” People v. Samayoa, 15 Cal.
22 4th 795, 853 (1997); see also Walton v. Arizona, 497 U.S. 639, 651 (1990), overruled on other
23 grounds by Ring, 536 U.S. at 589 (a defendant constitutionally may be required to establish by
24 a preponderance of the evidence the existence of mitigating circumstances, a conclusion
25 manifestly inconsistent with Petitioner’s assertion that the Constitution requires the jury to
26 determine beyond a reasonable doubt that death is the appropriate penalty).
27

Thus, the state supreme court reasonably could find California’s death penalty process is

28 constitutional without requiring unanimous written findings pursuant to a standard of proof or
330

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1 presumption in favor of life. See Tuilaepa, 512 U.S. at 979-80 (jurors need not be instructed at
2 the penalty phase on the weighing process.)

Nor was Petitioner’s jury precluded from

3 considering all mitigating evidence in the trail record; jurors were instructed to consider
4 sentencing factors to the extent relevant. (See CT 1651.)
Petitioner’s further argument, that absent a unanimous capital sentencing verdict beyond

5

6 a reasonable doubt, he was denied equal protection with non-capital defendants who are entitled
7 to a unanimous verdict beyond a reasonable doubt (ECF No. 107 at 436-37), fails because he
8 does not point to clearly established law in support, and for the reasons stated. (ECF No. 107 at
9 436-37; see also Claims 20-22, 26, ante.)
10

It follows that, to the extent Petitioner claims structural error based upon denial of the

11 right to a jury, he fails, for the reasons stated. (See ECF No. 107 at 437 citing Cage v. Louisiana,
12 498 U.S. 39 (1990), disapproved by McGuire, 502 U.S. at 72; see also ECF No. 210 at 275 citing
13 Jones, 526 U.S. at 251-52).
14

d.

Conclusions

15

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of the Claim was not

16 contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by
17 the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the
18 evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
19

Claim 33 shall be denied.

20

H.

Claims Alleging Cumulative Error

21

1.

Claim 34

22

Petitioner alleges that the cumulative effect of trial counsel’s ineffective assistance,

23 prosecutorial misconduct, juror misconduct, and trial court error renders his conviction and
24 sentence unreliable under the Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments. 34 (ECF No. 107
25 at 438-43.)
26
27
28

34

Petitioner states that he incorporates Claims 1-33 into Claim 34. (ECF No. 107 at 439.)

331

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1

a.

State Court Direct and Collateral Review

2

The California Supreme Court considered the Claim on direct appeal (Lod. Doc. 1 at 442-

3 44), and denied on the merits, stating that:
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

Defendant finally contends the cumulative effect of the errors at his trial requires
that we reverse the guilt, sanity, and penalty judgments. We have identified only
three errors, all of which were harmless individually: (1) the appointment of Dr.
Cutting and Dr. Criswell to examine defendant for sanity when the only issue at
the time was his competence to stand trial; (2) permitting the same psychiatrists to
testify at the sanity phase; and (3) violating sections 977 and 1043 by permitting
defendant voluntarily to absent himself from his trial. We have also explained that
permitting Carol Bender to testify she had trouble serving defendant's mother with
a subpoena, and giving a limiting instruction concerning the jury's consideration
of the VESI videotapes, if error, were both harmless. Considering these matters
together, we conclude their cumulative effect was minor. Accordingly, we reject
the claim that the aggregate effect of these errors at defendant's trial requires
reversal.

12 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 993.
13

The Claim was presented to the California Supreme Court in Petitioner’s first state

14 habeas petition (Lod. Doc.7 at 483-85), and summarily denied on the merits (Lod. Doc. 8).
15

The Claim was presented to the California Supreme Court in Petitioner’s second state

16 habeas petition (Lod. Doc.23 at 119), and summarily denied on the merits (Lod. Doc. 24).
17

b.

Legal Standard

18

(i)

Cumulative Error

19

The Ninth Circuit has stated “the Supreme Court has clearly established that the

20 combined effect of multiple trial errors may give rise to a due process violation if it renders a
21 trial fundamentally unfair, even where each error considered individually would not require
22 reversal.” Parle, 505 F.3d at 928 (citing DeChristoforo, 416 U.S. at 643). In the Ninth Circuit,
23 the cumulative effect of trial errors can be a basis for habeas relief where there is a “substantial
24 and injurious effect or influence in determining the jury’s verdict[.]” Brecht, 507 U.S. at 637.
25

c.

Analysis

26

(i)

State Court Modification of Strickland Standard for Prejudice

27

Petitioner argues that the state supreme court, on review of his ineffective assistance of

28 counsel Claims, improperly modified Strickland’s prejudice standard.
332

He argues the state

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1 supreme court applied an incorrect test for determining prejudice by using Lockhart v. Fretwell,
2 506 U.S. 364 (1993), to modify the Strickland standard, and relatedly unreasonably presume “the
3 truth, accuracy, and fairness of the conviction and sentence.” (See ECF No. 210 at 112-13 citing
4 People v. Duvall, 9 Cal. 4th 464, 474, 476 n.3 (1995) (respondent must set forth facts responsive
5 to the factual allegations in the petition).)
6

In Fretwell, counsel unreasonably failed to object to an unconstitutional aggravating

7 factor, later found to be constitutional.

506 U.S. at 367, 369 n.1.

The Supreme Court,

8 recognizing that strict application of the Strickland standard would result in “an error in [the
9 petitioner's] favor,” looked beyond Strickland’s outcome determinative standard and considered
10 whether the failure to object rendered the defendant's trial “unreliable or the proceeding
11 fundamentally unfair.” Fretwell, 506 U.S. at 372. It held that the result of Fretwell's sentencing
12 proceeding “was neither unfair nor unreliable.” Id. at 371.

Accordingly, the Court found

13 Fretwell suffered no prejudice.
14

Subsequently, the Supreme Court concluded that a state court holding that Fretwell

15 modified Strickland “was contrary to, or involved an unreasonable application of, clearly
16 established Federal law.” Williams, 529 U.S. at 399. The Supreme Court recognized that there
17 may be limited situations in which “it would be unjust to characterize the likelihood of a
18 different outcome as legitimate prejudice.” Id. at 391–92. The Court characterized cases such as
19 Fretwell as involving an unreasonable action of a trial attorney that did “not deprive the
20 defendant of any substantive or procedural right to which the law entitles him.” Id. at 393 n.17.
21

Here, Petitioner offers only surmise that the state supreme court must have considered

22 presumptions and a prejudice standard inconsistent with Strickland. He supports the argument
23 solely by citation to other California Supreme Court cases allegedly containing such errors. (See
24 ECF No. 210 at 112-116 and cases cited therein.) But he does not demonstrate on the facts and
25 circumstances of this case, that the state supreme court failed to apply the Strickland standard, or
26 show how the cases he cites support his argument in this case.
27

As discussed above, the record reflects the state supreme court applied the Strickland

28 standard in analyzing and rejecting Claims herein. Cf., In re Avena, 12 Cal. 4th 694, 726 (1996)
333

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1 (applying both Strickland and Fretwell standards in finding counsel’s deficient conduct non2 prejudicial); Hardy, 849 F.3d at 818-19 (finding that although the California Supreme Court
3 recited the Strickland standard, it erroneously concluded that because there was “substantial
4 evidence” against Hardy, he suffered no prejudice from counsel’s deficient performance).
5

Notably, both before and after Williams, the California Supreme Court could be seen to

6 rely upon Strickland as the standard for determining prejudice in cases of alleged ineffective
7 assistance of counsel. See e.g., People v. Alexander, 49 Cal. 4th 846, 888 (2010); People v.
8 Friend, 47 Cal. 4th 1, 46–47 (2009); People v. Hester, 22 Cal. 4th 290, 297 (2000); People v.
9 Smithey, 20 Cal. 4th 936, 986–87, 1012 (1999); People v. Musselwhite, 17 Cal. 4th 1216, 1260
10 (1998).
11

When determining whether a state court's decision was contrary to, or an unreasonable

12 application of, federal law, the court must “presum[e] that state courts know and follow the
13 law[,]” including as to the Strickland standard. Woodford v. Visciotti, 537 U.S. 19, 24 (2002).
14 While Petitioner may rebut this presumption, he has not done so. The state court decision is
15 entitled to the benefit of any doubt. Visciotti, 537 U.S. at 24. See e.g., Cornwell, 2018 WL
16 934542 at *20–21 (petitioner's showing is insufficient to convince this court that the California
17 Supreme Court likely applied an incorrect prejudice standard to petitioner's claims). Particularly
18 so here, as Petitioner does not demonstrate the state supreme court relied upon Fretwell or a non19 Strickland presumption or standard in analyzing and rejecting Claims herein.35

(See e.g.,

20 Weaver, 26 Cal. 4th at 925-26, 955.)
21

(ii)

Cumulative Effect of Alleged Errors

22

Petitioner argues the cumulative effect of errors alleged in Claims 1-33. (ECF No. 210 at

23 276-77 citing Taylor v. Kentucky, 436 U.S. 478, 487 n.15 (1978) (cumulative effect of the
24 potentially damaging circumstances of this case violated the due process guarantee of
25 fundamental fairness); Harris By & Through Ramseyer v. Wood, 64 F.3d 1432, 1438 (9th Cir.
26
35

These
the Strickland standard
27 standard,arguments based upon an alleged modification offor ineffective assistanceor application of an alternative
to the extent raised by Petitioner’s other Claims
of counsel, are rejected for the

28

reasons stated.

334

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1 1995) (prejudice may result from the cumulative impact of multiple deficiencies); United States
2 v. McLister, 608 F.2d 785, 791 (9th Cir. 1979) (prejudicial effect of combined errors requires
3 reversal). He argues that “[a]bsent the errors complained of, at each phase, the jury would have
4 reached results more favorable to Petitioner, and would not have rendered a death verdict.”
5 (ECF No. 107 at 443.)
6

Although individual errors looked at separately may not rise to the level of reversible

7 error, their cumulative effect may nevertheless be so prejudicial as to require reversal. U.S. v.
8 Necoechea, 986 F.2d 1273, 1282 (9th Cir. 1993); see also Alcala v. Woodford, 334 F.3d 862,
9 883 (9th Cir. 2003) (“[E]rrors that might not be so prejudicial as to amount to a deprivation of
10 due process when considered alone, may cumulatively produce a trial setting that is
11 fundamentally unfair.”).
12

However, the fact that errors have been committed during a trial does not mean that

13 reversal is required. “While a defendant is entitled to a fair trial, [she] is not entitled to a perfect
14 trial, for there are no perfect trials.” United States v. Payne, 944 F.2d 1458, 1477 (9th Cir.
15 1991); see also McDonough Power Equipment, Inc. v. Greenwood , 464 U.S. 548, 553 (1984)
16 (quoting Brown v. United States, 411 U.S. 223, 231-232 (1973)). Moreover, errors of state law,
17 such as whether instructions were correct under state law, are not cognizable in federal habeas,
18 and should play no part in cumulative error analysis. McGuire, 502 U.S. at 71-72; see also Parle
19 v. Runnels, 387 F.3d 1030, 1045 (citing Lewis v. Jeffers, 497 U.S. 764, 780 (1990)) (no habeas
20 relief for state law errors whose combined effect does not violate the federal constitution).
21

Here, the state supreme court reasonably denied Claims 1-33, for the reasons stated in the

22 Court’s prior orders (see ECF Nos. 162, 209 denying Claims 1,2 and 8,9 respectively) and those
23 stated herein. Particularly, the three trial court errors noted by the state supreme court in its
24 rejection of the allegation of cumulative error on direct appeal, considered cumulatively and to
25 the extent asserted as federal constitutional error, did not render the trial fundamentally unfair.
26 See United States v. Karterman, 60 F.3d 576, 580 (9th Cir. 1995) (“Because each error is, at best,
27 marginal, we cannot conclude that their cumulative effect was ‘so prejudicial’ to [defendant] that
28 reversal is warranted.”).
335

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1

Petitioner’s claims of constitutional error are harmless individually and cumulatively, for

2 the reasons stated.

The state supreme court reasonably could find Petitioner failed to

3 demonstrate the combined effect of alleged error was prejudicial under Strickland, or by
4 rendering his defense “far less persuasive” so as to exert a “substantial and injurious effect or
5 influence” on the verdict. Parle, 505 F.3d at 928 (citing Chambers, 410 U.S. at 294, and Brecht,
6 507 U.S. at 637); see also Thompson v. Calderon, 86 F.3d 1509, 1521 (9th Cir. 1996) (reversed
7 on other grounds by Calderon v. Thompson, 523 U.S. 538 (1998) (“finding no prejudice from the
8 errors considered separately, we also find no cumulative prejudice.”).
9

Accordingly, after examining the asserted errors cumulatively, the state supreme court

10 reasonably could find Petitioner failed to show that his constitutional rights were violated . The
11 Court is not persuaded otherwise.
12

d.

Conclusions

13

A fair-minded jurist could find the state supreme court’s denial of the Claim was not

14 contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, as determined by
15 the Supreme Court, or based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the
16 evidence presented in the state court proceeding. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d).
17
18
19

Claim 34 shall be denied.
VIII. MOTIONS FOR EVIDENTIARY HEARING AND RECORD EXPANSION
Petitioner moves for: (i) evidentiary hearing on Claims 3, 4, 6, 7, 11 and certain

20 procedural default allegations relating to claims 11, 12 and 18, and (ii) expansion of the record
21 with additional documentation relating to claims 3, 4, 6, 7 and 11. (See ECF Nos. 216, 217.)
22

The Court shall deny Petitioner’s motion in its entirety, for the reasons discussed below.

23

A.

24

As noted, § 2254(d), as amended by the AEDPA, provides:

Legal Standard

25
26
27

An application for a writ of habeas corpus on behalf of a person in custody
pursuant to the judgment of a State court shall not be granted with respect to any
claim that was adjudicated on the merits in State court proceedings unless the
adjudication of the claim—

28
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(1) resulted in a decision that was contrary to, or involved an
unreasonable application of, clearly established Federal law, as
determined by the Supreme Court of the United States; or

1
2

(2) resulted in a decision that was based on an unreasonable
determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the
State court proceeding.

3
4

In Pinholster, the Supreme Court held that “review under § 2254(d)(1) is limited to the

5

6 record that was before the state court that adjudicated the claim on the merits,” and thus
7 “evidence introduced in federal court has no bearing on § 2254(d)(1) review.” 563 U.S. at 181,
8 185. Although the central holding of Pinholster pertained to § 2254(d)(1), the Supreme Court
9 observed that “[28 U.S.C. §] 2254(d)(2) includes the language ‘in light of the evidence presented
10 in the State court proceeding,’ ” providing “additional clarity” that review under § 2254(d)(2) is
11 also limited to the record before the state court. Id. at 185 n.7. Therefore, for claims that were
12 adjudicated on the merits in state court, a petitioner can only rely on the record that was before
13 the state court to satisfy the requirements of § 2254(d). See Schriro v. Landrigan, 550 U.S. 465,
14 474 (2007).
15

The federal court, upon motion for evidentiary hearing, is limited to the evidence

16 presented in state court when it assesses whether 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d) bars a claim. Pinholster,
17 563 U.S. at 185. An evidentiary hearing is unnecessary if § 2254(d) is a bar to relief. However,
18 if § 2254(d) is not a bar, the federal court must review the substantive issues and assess evidence
19 challenging the constitutionality of the conviction and sentence. Panetti, 551 U.S. at 953-954
20 (inadequate state court fact-finding where § 2254(d) satisfied); accord Godoy, 861 F.3d at 966;
21 Frantz, 533 F.3d at 737. This review contemplates factual development and an evidentiary
22 hearing to the extent necessary to resolve the constitutional claim.
Also, a petitioner requesting an evidentiary hearing must “show that he has not failed to

23

24 develop the factual basis of the claim in the state courts [pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254(e)(2)] . . .
25 [and] meet one of the Townsend factors and make colorable allegations that, if proved at an
26 evidentiary hearing, would entitle him to habeas relief.”36 Insyxiengmay v. Morgan, 403 F.3d
27
28

36

In Townsend v. Sain, the Supreme Court concluded that a defendant is entitled to a federal evidentiary hearing on
his factual allegations if: (1) the merits of the factual dispute were not resolved in the state hearing; (2) the state
factual determination is not fairly supported by the record as a whole; (3) the fact -finding procedure employed by

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1 657, 670 (9th Cir. 2005); see also Pinholster, 563 U.S. at 185-186 (noting that § 2254(e)(2) still
2 applies even after § 2254(d) is satisfied). That is, once the statutory provisions of 28 U.S.C. §
3 2254(d) and § 2254(e) have been satisfied, the entitlement for an evidentiary hearing in a habeas
4 case turns on two things: first, whether there was an opportunity to develop the facts in state
5 court, and second, whether the petitioner has pled a colorable claim entitling him to relief.
6 Lambright v. Stewart, 241 F.3d 1201, 1206 (9th Cir. 2001).
7

B.

Analysis

8

1.

Petitioner’s Request for Evidentiary Hearing

9

Petitioner moves for evidentiary hearing as to Claims 3, 4, 6, 7 and 11, and certain

10 procedural default allegations as to claims 11, 12 and 18, pursuant to habeas rule 8. (ECF No.
11 216.) In doing so, Petitioner concedes that “it is as yet unclear exactly what facts are actually
12 disputed by the Respondent.” (ECF No. 216 at 30.)
13

Habeas Rule 8 provides that:

14
If the petition is not dismissed, the judge must review the answer, any transcripts
and records of state court proceedings, and any materials submitted under Rule 7
to determine whether an evidentiary hearing is warranted.

15
16

17 SECT 2254 Rule 8(a); see also Townsend, 372 U.S. at 319 (complete state court record
18 ordinarily includes the transcript of testimony or adequate substitute, the pleadings, court
19 opinions, and other pertinent documents).
20

However, Claims 3, 4, 6, 7, 11, 12 and 18 do not survive § 2254(d) analysis, for the

21 reasons stated. Petitioner has not shown an evidentiary hearing on those Claims is available. 28
22 U.S.C. § 2254(d); see also Stankewitz v. Woodford, 365 F.3d 706, 708 (9th Cir. 2004)
23 (petitioner entitled to evidentiary hearing upon raising colorable claim of ineffective assistance);
24 accord Siripongs v. Calderon, 35 F.3d 1308, 1310 (1994) (only a habeas petitioner who asserts a
25 colorable claim to relief is entitled to an evidentiary hearing). Pinholster effectively bars a
26
full
(4) there
substantial allegation
27 the state court was not adequate to afford awereand fair hearing;developedisatathe state court hearing;of newly any
discovered evidence; (5) the material facts
not adequately
or (6) for
reason it appears that the state trier of fact did not afford the habeas applicant a full and fair fact hearing. 372 U.S. at

28 313.

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1 habeas court from any further factual development of these claims at evidentiary hearing. 563
2 U.S. at 203 n.20. Regarding these Claims, and to the extent Petitioner further argues that he is
3 entitled to a hearing under 28 U.S.C. § 2254(e)(2), Pinholster suggests this is not so. “Section
4 2254(e)(2) continues to have force where § 2254(d)(1) does not bar federal habeas relief.” Id. at
5 185. Analysis of the Claims under § 2254(d) must precede the granting of an evidentiary hearing
6 under § 2254(e)(2). Id. at 184. Thus, only if Petitioner overcomes § 2254(d) can the Court
7 consider a hearing under § 2254(e)(2).
Petitioner’s Request for Record Expansion

8

2.

9

Petitioner moves for expansion of the record as to Claims 3, 4, 6, 7 and 11 with the

10 following additional documentation:
11
As to Claims 3, 4, 6 and 7, Petitioner requests that the Court expand the record
with the following exhibits, previously submitted to the Court in ECF Nos. 149,
198-203, relating to the mental state of Petitioner and his trial counsel: Exhibits
A, B, C, H, N (N-1 through N-319), O, P, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z, AA, BB, CC,
and DD.37

12
13
14

As to Claim 11, Petitioner requests that the Court expand the record with the
following exhibits, included as supplemental exhibits in support of the Amended
Petition (see ECF No. 217), relating to alleged Brady information impeaching
prosecution witnesses Rickey Gibson, David Galbraith, and Cecil Sneed:
Supplemental Exhibits FF, GG, HH, II, JJ and KK.

15
16
17

The Court observes Habeas Rule 7 provides that:
18
19

[T]he judge may direct the parties to expand the record by submitting additional
materials relating to the petition … includ[ing] letters predating the filing of the
petition, documents, exhibits, and answers under oath to written interrogatories
propounded by the judge. Affidavits may also be submitted and considered as part
of the record.

20
21
22

23 SECT 2254 Rule 7(a-b).
24

A petitioner who seeks to expand the record without a hearing must meet the same

25
26
27
28

37

Petitioner acknowledges that: the Court, in the course of its denial of Claims 1 and 2, denied expansion of the
record with Exhibit A and H, and granted expansion of the record with Exhibits B and C but not for the truth of the
matter asserted therein. (ECF No. 216 at 24-25 n.3 & n.4 citing ECF No. 162 at 95-96, 108). The Court, in the
course of its denial of Claims 8 and 9, denied expansion of the record with Exhibits N and O, (ECF No. 216 at 26
n.6 citing ECF No. 209 at 81-82.) Also, Petitioner sta tes that “many” of the documents contained in Exhibit N-1
through N-319 are in the state record (ECF No. 216 at 28 n.7, citing ECF No. 197 -1).

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1 requirements as a petitioner seeking to obtain an evidentiary hearing under 28 U.S.C. §
2 2254(e)(2). See Holland v. Jackson, 542 U.S. 649, 652–53 (2004) (finding that the restrictions
3 of § 2254(e)(2) “apply a fortiori when a prisoner seeks relief based on new evidence without an
4 evidentiary hearing”); accord Colegrove v. Hoshino, No. 13-CV-00096-BLF, 2014 WL 4421393
5 at *2 (N.D. Cal. Sept. 5, 2014). It follows that where a state court denies the claim on the merits,
6 an expanded record cannot be considered in determining whether the state court’s decision was
7 objectively unreasonable. Rogovich, 694 F.3d at 1096-97 (citing Pinholster, 563 U.S. at 180).
8

Here, Claims 3, 4, 6, 7 and 11 were denied on the merits. For the reasons discussed

9 above, petitioner fails to demonstrate that Claims 3, 4, 6, 7 and 11 overcome the limitation of §
10 2254(d). Thus, Pinholster effectively bars a habeas court from any further factual development
11 on these Claims. 563 U.S. at 203 n.20. Nor has Petitioner shown an evidentiary hearing on
12 those Claims is available, for the reasons stated. 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d); see also Johnson v. Finn,
13 665 F.3d 1063, 1069 (9th Cir. 2011) (observing post-Pinholster unavailability of evidence
14 outside the state record in resolving 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d)(1)).
15

Additionally, Petitioner concedes that certain of the documents requested for expansion

16 are already in the state record. (See ECF No. 216 at 28 n.7 citing ECF No. 197-1.) To that
17 extent, the motion to augment with evidence already in the state record is moot. See e.g.,
18 NovelPoster v. Javitch Canfield Grp., 140 F. Supp. 3d 954, 960 n.7 (N.D. Cal. 2014) (litigant
19 need not seek judicial notice of documents previously filed in the same case).
20

C.

Conclusions

21

Petitioner’s request for evidentiary hearing on Claims 3, 4, 6, 7, 11, 12 and 18 shall be

22 denied.
23

Petitioner’s request to expand the state record with the noted additional documentation

24 relating to Claims 3, 4, 6, 7 and 11 shall be denied.
25
26

IX.

CERTIFICATE OF APPEALABILITY

Because this is a final order adverse to the Petitioner, Rule 11 of the Rules Governing

27 Section 2254 Cases requires this Court to issue or deny a Certificate of Appealability (“COA”).
28 Accordingly, the Court sua sponte has evaluated the Claims within the Amended Petition for
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1 suitability for the issuance of a COA. 28 U.S.C. § 2253(c); Turner, 281 F.3d at 864-65.
2

A state prisoner seeking a writ of habeas corpus has no absolute entitlement to appeal a

3 district court’s denial of his petition, and an appeal is only allowed in certain circumstances.
4 Miller-El, 537 U.S. at 335-36. The controlling statute in determining whether to issue a COA is
5 28 U.S.C. § 2253, which provides that:
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15

(a) In a habeas corpus proceeding or a proceeding under section 2255 before a
district judge, the final order shall be subject to review, on appeal, by the court of
appeals for the circuit in which the proceeding is held.
(b) There shall be no right of appeal from a final order in a proceeding to test the
validity of a warrant to remove to another district or place for commitment or trial
a person charged with a criminal offense against the United States, or to test the
validity of such person’s detention pending removal proceedings.
(c) (1) Unless a circuit justice or judge issues a certificate of appealability, an
appeal may not be taken to the court of appeals from—
(A) the final order in a habeas corpus proceeding in which the detention
complained of arises out of process issued by a State court; or
(B) the final order in a proceeding under section 2255.
(2) A certificate of appealability may issue under paragraph (1) only if the
applicant has made a substantial showing of the denial of a constitutional right.
(3) The certificate of appealability under paragraph (1) shall indicate which
specific issue or issues satisfy the showing required by paragraph (2).

16
17

The Court may issue a COA only “if jurists of reason could disagree with the district

18 court’s resolution of [petitioner’s] constitutional claims or that jurists could conclude the issues
19 presented are adequate to deserve encouragement to proceed further.” Miller-El, 537 U.S. at
20 327; see also Slack v. McDaniel, 529 U.S. 473, 484 (2000) (same). While a petitioner is not
21 required to prove the merits of his case, he must demonstrate “something more than the absence
22 of frivolity or the existence of mere good faith on his . . . part.” Miller-El, 537 U.S. at 338.
23

In the present case, the Court finds that, with respect to the following claims, reasonable

24 jurists could disagree with the Court’s resolution or conclude that the issues presented are
25 adequate to deserve encouragement to proceed further:
26

Claims 3, 7, 8, and 9.

27

Therefore, a COA shall be granted as to these four Claims. As to the remaining Claims

28 and requests for record expansion and evidentiary hearing, the Court concludes that reasonable
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1 jurists would not find the Court’s determination that Petitioner is not entitled to relief debatable,
2 wrong, or deserving of encouragement to proceed further. The Court shall decline to issue a
3 COA as to the remaining Claims and the requests for record expansion and evidentiary hearing.
4

X.

ORDER

5

Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:

6

1. The Amended Petition (ECF No. 107) is DENIED, Claims 1 and 2 were denied on the

7 merits by order issued on March 24, 2014 (ECF No. 162), Claims 8 and 9 were denied on the
8 merits by order issued on March 31, 2016 (ECF No. 209), Claims 3-7, 10-30, and 32-33 herein
9 are denied with prejudice, and Claim 31 herein is denied without prejudice as moot.
10

2. Petitioner’s motion for record expansion and evidentiary hearing (ECF. No. 216) is

11 DENIED.
12

3. A Certificate of Appealability is ISSUED as to the Court’s resolution of Claims 3, 7,

13 8, and 9, and DECLINED as to the remaining Claims and the requests for evidentiary hearing
14 and record expansion.
15

4. Any and all scheduled dates are VACATED, and

16

5. The Clerk of the Court is directed to substitute Ron Broomfield, Acting Warden of

17 San Quentin State Prison, as the Respondent warden in this action, and to enter judgment
18 accordingly.
19
20

IT IS SO ORDERED.

21 Dated: September 19, 2021
SENIOR DISTRICT JUDGE
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
342