Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_90-cv-00363/USCOURTS-caed-1_90-cv-00363-4/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 535
Nature of Suit: Habeas Corpus - Death Penalty
Cause of Action: 28:2254 Ptn for Writ of H/C - Stay of Execution

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE 

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

MICHAEL ALLEN HAMILTON

)

Petitioner, )

)

vs. )

)

Vincent Cullen, as Warden of San Quentin )

State Prison,* )

)

Respondent. )

)

Case No. 1:90-cv-00363 OWW

DEATH PENALTY CASE

ORDER ON REMAND DENYING IN

PART AND GRANTING IN PART

WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS

This matter is before the Court on remand from the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth

Circuit, mandate issued June 1, 2010. In its opinion issued September 18, 2009, the Ninth Circuit

concluded:

[W]e reverse the district court’s judgment and remand with instructions to issue the writ

and return the case to the Tulare County Superior Court to reduce [Petitioner Michael

Allen] Hamilton’s sentence to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, unless

the State pursues a new sentencing proceeding within a reasonable amount of time, as

determined by the district court. We affirm the district court’s denial of habeas relief as

to the guilt phase issues.

Hamilton v. Ayers, 583 F.3d 1100, 1136 (9th Cir. 2009).

In accordance with this directive, Hamilton’s second amended petition for a writ of habeas

corpus filed in this action on April 14, 2000 (doc. 199) is DENIED insofar as it pertains to Hamilton’s

conviction and attendant special circumstance findings andGRANTEDwith respect to Hamilton’s death

sentence. The death sentence issued in People v. Hamilton, Tulare County Superior Court, Case No.

20888, IS VACATED and SET ASIDE unless the State of California, within 60 days of entry of

* Vincent Cullen is substituted for his predecessor, Robert L. Ayers, as Warden of San Quentin State Prison

90dp00363.O2Deny&GrantOnRemand.Ham.wpd 1 pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 25(d).

Case 1:90-cv-00363-OWW Document 365 Filed 06/03/10 Page 1 of 2
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judgment herein, initiates proceedings to retry Hamilton’s sentence in a new penalty trial. In the

alternative, the Court of Appeals has ordered the case be remanded to the Tulare County Superior Court

for re-sentencing to life without the possibility of parole.

SO ORDERED.

DATE: June 3, 2010 /s/ Oliver W. Wanger 

Oliver W. Wanger

 United States District Judge

90dp00363.O2Deny&GrantOnRemand.Ham.wpd 2

Case 1:90-cv-00363-OWW Document 365 Filed 06/03/10 Page 2 of 2