IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON

DIVISION THREE

STATE OF WASHINGTON,

Respondent,

v.

VINCENTE GUIZAR FIGUEROA,

Appellant.

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No. 34708-7-III

UNPUBLISHED OPINION

LAWRENCE-BERREY, C.J. — A jury found Vincente Guizar Figueroa guilty of 

several felonies arising from kidnapping a family in Kennewick, Washington, and 

robbing the family’s jewelry store. Vincente1committed these crimes when he was 15 

years old. 

On appeal, he contends (1) the trial court erred in admitting ER 404(b) evidence of 

another crime he committed in Bakersfield, California, (2) the trial court erred when it 

denied him his right to present other suspect evidence, (3) the State presented insufficient

evidence to sustain his convictions, (4) the sentencing court violated his rights under the 

 

1 We use defendant’s first name to distinguish him from his older brother, 

Umberto.

FILED

JUNE 7, 2018

In the Office of the Clerk of Court

WA State Court of Appeals, Division III
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2

Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution when it imposed mandatory 

consecutive sentences and firearm enhancements without exercising its discretion as 

required by State v. Houston-Sconiers, 188 Wn.2d 1, 391 P.3d 409 (2017), (5) the 

judgment and sentence should reflect that his sentence is to run concurrently with his

Bakersfield sentence, and (6) the sentencing court erred when it imposed discretionary 

legal financial obligations (LFOs) without conducting an adequate inquiry into his ability 

to pay. 

We affirm Vincente’s convictions. But because the record does not sufficiently 

show that the trial court understood its full discretion to sentence Vincente without regard 

to mandatory minimums and mandatory enhancements, we reverse Vincente’s sentence 

and remand for resentencing. 

FACTS

Kennewick, Washington

On February 9, 2011, Hayley Welsh was with her young son T.W. at the family 

home when she heard a knock on the door. Peering through a window, she saw two 

Hispanic men in orange construction vests with hard hats, one of whom was carrying a 

clipboard. She opened the door. One of the men told her they were from the energy 

company and needed to come inside. As she was telling them to come back later, the men 
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pulled out guns and pushed their way inside the home. Once inside, the men put on 

gloves and ski masks and took Hayley’s cell phone. 

One man, suspect 1, spoke English and Spanish. The other man, suspect 2, spoke 

only Spanish. The men used zip ties to tie Hayley’s and T.W.’s hands and feet. Suspect 1

warned Hayley not to look at them. Two additional members of the Welsh family, 

Mackenzie and Jeanne, came home later. The men, still armed, tied their hands and feet 

with zip ties. Suspect 1 warned the women not to look at them. 

Mark Welsh, the owner of Touchstone Jewelers and the target of the crime, was 

the last to arrive home. As he entered, one of the suspects ambushed him and held a gun 

to his head. Suspect 1 told Mark that the three of them would go to Touchstone Jewelers

while another man would come and hold the family hostage. Once the third man arrived,

Mark drove the two men to the jewelry store in his truck. 

Suspect 1 ordered Mark to disarm the security, open the safe, and remove the 

jewelry. Mark complied. The stolen jewelry was valued at over $370,000. Mark drove 

himself and the two others back to his home. 

One of the suspects told the family they had additional people watching the house 

and not to call police for 30 minutes. The men used T.W.’s black and blue backpack to 
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4

carry the stolen jewelry. They then took Mark’s truck and escaped. Law enforcement 

later found Mark’s truck in a nearby housing development. 

Descriptions of the suspects and additional evidence

Hayley described suspect 1 as a “smooth talker” who knew how to talk to people 

and said he appeared to be in charge. 1 Report of Proceedings (RP) (July 19-21, 2016) at 

55. Mark described suspect 1 as very composed and calm.

Members of the Welsh family had slightly different descriptions of suspects 1 and 

2. Hayley thought suspect 1 was younger than suspect 2, possibly in his 20s, thin, and 

possibly with freckles. She thought he might be 5’8” tall. Hayley thought suspect 2 was 

older, taller, and heavier. Despite seeing the men before they wore masks, Hayley could 

not identify Vincente in a later photomontage. 

Mackenzie could not estimate age or height for either man. Jeanne thought suspect 

1 was young, but could not estimate how young. Mark thought suspects 1 and 2 were 

about the same age, in their 20s, but that suspect 1 was 5’8” to 5’10”, and suspect 2 was 

heavier. 

When law enforcement searched Mark’s abandoned truck, they found a clipboard 

with handwritten notes on the top page. The notes included a checklist of items, the 
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5

initials PGNE2in large handwriting, and the Welsh’s address. An expert witness called 

by the State later testified that he analyzed the pages attached to the clipboard, that he 

found several finger and thumb prints on three of the pages, and that they all matched

Vincente’s prints. He also testified that he found no other prints on any of the pages.

Bakersfield, California

On June 6, 2011, two armed Hispanic intruders entered the home of Donald 

Younger, owner of Bakersfield Best Pawn, in Bakersfield, California. Donald, his wife, 

and their daughter were home at the time. The intruders were Vincente and his older 

brother Umberto. 

The family’s dogs barked incessantly at the Figueroa brothers, and Vincente 

instructed the family to quiet the dogs or else he would shoot them. Vincente demanded 

that Donald drive the three of them to the pawn shop so they could obtain guns and 

money. Vincente told Donald that another man would arrive to watch the family while 

they were gone. Neither Vincente nor Umberto wore a ski mask nor used zip ties to tie up 

the family.

Unbeknownst to Vincente and Umberto, Donald’s parents-in-law were visiting. 

They snuck out a back door and used a neighbor’s phone to call law enforcement. Police 

 

2 Perhaps shorthand for “Pacific Gas and Electric.”
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arrived and arrested the Figueroa brothers. At the time of the Kennewick and Bakersfield

crimes, Vincente was 15 years old, 5’7” tall and weighed approximately 165 pounds. 

Umberto was the same height, but older and much heavier. 

Vincente told Bakersfield police that he, Umberto, and a third man named Alex 

had been watching Mr. Younger and the pawn shop for about six days. He said he had 

even gone into the pawnshop to purchase earrings to do reconnaissance. He explained he 

did all of the talking to the family because his older brother speaks only Spanish. 

Vincente also told police that his mother lives in Grandview, Washington, and that 

he had based the Bakersfield crime on an earlier Washington crime. Although Vincente

lived in Modesto, California, he also spent time at his mother’s home. Bakersfield law 

enforcement performed an Internet search and found similar crimes in the Washington 

area. They then called Washington law enforcement. 

Eventually, Vincente and his brother pleaded guilty to the felonies associated with 

the Bakersfield crime and received sentences in excess of 29 years. 

Search of Ms. Figueroa’s home

Based on the Bakersfield crime and Vincente’s statements, Washington law 

enforcement obtained a search warrant for Ms. Figueroa’s home in Grandview. In her 

garage, they found two ski masks and two orange vests or jackets similar to the ones used 
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in the Kennewick crime. They also found a handwritten conversion list from karats to 

percentage of gold, and a blue and black backpack that matched T.W.’s backpack.3

Procedural history

The State charged Vincente by amended information with two counts of first 

degree burglary, five counts of first degree kidnapping, one count of first degree robbery,

and one count of theft of a motor vehicle. The charges included four firearm 

enhancements and also a major economic offense aggravator, reflecting the significant 

value of the stolen jewelry.

1. ER 404(b) identity evidence

Prior to trial, the State sought to admit evidence of the Bakersfield crime to 

establish identity. Specifically, the State sought to elicit testimony from Mr. Younger and 

a Bakersfield detective about the Bakersfield crime and Vincente’s admissions. The State 

argued that the two crimes were highly similar but unique from other crimes so that proof 

that Vincente committed the Bakersfield crime created a high probability that he also 

committed the Kennewick crime. Vincente objected and argued that the two crimes were 

not sufficiently unique from other crimes so as to be signature crimes. Vincente noted 

that there were three or four similar crimes that occurred in Washington and Oregon

 

3 Hayley Welsh testified that the backpack looked like her son’s. The backpack
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between 2009 and 2011. The court heard argument. Because it had not yet reviewed 

Vincente’s brief, it took the motion under advisement. 

One week later, the court issued a letter to the parties stating, “Assuming that the 

four requirements for admission of other bad acts are appropriately addressed on the 

record, the Court will grant the State’s motion to admit the proposed ER 404(b) evidence 

along with the appropriate limiting instruction.” Clerk’s Papers (CP) at 30. The State 

thereafter presented proposed detailed findings of fact and conclusions of law consistent 

with its briefing, which the court had considered. The court signed the State’s proposed 

findings and conclusions. 

2. Other suspect evidence

On the morning of trial, the State asked the trial court to prevent Vincente from 

arguing or suggesting in cross-examination of its witnesses that Umberto was involved in 

the Kennewick crime. Vincente objected and argued that such a limitation would 

interfere with his right to present a defense. The trial court granted the State’s motion. 

 

however was missing a small pin, an award T.W. had received from kindergarten. 
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The State called several witnesses. At the close of the State’s case-in-chief, the 

State “withdrew”

4

its objection. The State told the trial court, if Vincente established he 

had direct knowledge that Umberto committed the Kennewick crimes, he could testify to 

that. 

Vincente called only one witness—himself. He did not testify that his brother 

committed the Kennewick crime. Instead, he testified that he was living in California in 

February 2011, that he had not seen his mother until May 2011, and that the blue and 

black backpack was his. He also testified that he and his brother had given “Alex” a ride 

to Bakersfield and how it was his brother’s and Alex’s idea to commit the Bakersfield 

crime.

During its closing argument, the State argued that the Bakersfield and Kennewick 

crimes were so similar to each other, but unique from other crimes, that Vincente’s 

admitted commission of the first showed he committed the second. The State also argued 

that T.W.’s backpack and Vincente’s fingerprints on the paper attached to the clipboard 

further linked Vincente to the Kennewick crime.

 

4 The trial court’s ruling prevented Vincente from suggesting through the State’s 

witnesses that Umberto was involved in the Kennewick crime. For this reason, the State’s 

suggestion that it “withdrew” its objection after its witnesses testified is inaccurate and 

probably also disingenuous. More accurately, the objection and the trial court’s order 

simply did not apply beyond the State’s witnesses.
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During his closing, Vincente argued that his brother, Alex, and an older person 

who spoke English and Spanish committed the Kennewick crime. He emphasized that 

Welsh family members had described suspect 1 as mature, intelligent, and in control, and 

how their physical descriptions of suspect 1 did not match him. Vincente argued that the 

Kennewick crime was professional and well-planned. He contrasted that crime with the 

Bakersfield crime, which was chaotic and not well-planned. Vincente emphasized that he 

and his brother did not use masks or zip ties. Vincente had testified that the blue and 

black backpack was his and argued in closing that it was a very common backpack and 

lacked T.W.’s pin. Vincente explained his prints on the papers by suggesting that his 

brother took the papers out of his backpack prior to the Kennewick crime. 

3. Verdict and sentence

The jury returned a guilty verdict on each count and affirmative responses to the 

four firearm enhancements and the major economic offense special verdict forms.

The State submitted a sentencing brief that asked for a sentence within the 

standard range, despite the jury’s finding of a major economic offense. Citing State v. 

O’Dell, 183 Wn.2d 680, 358 P.3d 359 (2015), the brief discussed the trial court’s 

discretion to impose an exceptional downward sentence based on mitigating factors 
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associated with Vincente’s youth. The State argued, however, that the mitigating factors 

did not fit the facts of the case. 

At the sentencing hearing, Vincente cited O’Dell and argued that the mitigating 

factors applied to the facts of the case. 

The sentencing court did not address, analyze, or acknowledge Vincente’s request 

for an exceptional sentence downward. Nor did the sentencing court ask Vincente about 

his current assets and debts or about his likely future ability to pay costs. 

Because of mandatory consecutive sentences and enhancements, the standard 

sentencing range was 593 to 710 months. The sentencing court imposed a sentence of 

600 months. The sentence is calculated as follows: (1) 156 months on the first degree 

burglary conviction, which subsumed concurrent sentences for (a) the other first degree 

burglary conviction, (b) a robbery in the first degree conviction, and (c) a theft of a motor 

vehicle conviction, plus (2) 240 months for four mandatory, consecutive 60-month

firearm enhancements, plus (3) 204 months for four 51-month mandatory, consecutive 

first degree kidnapping convictions. The judgment and sentence indicated that the 

Kennewick sentence was to run concurrently with the Bakersfield crime. The court also 

imposed $1,267.12 in discretionary LFOs. 

Vincente appealed. 
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ANALYSIS

A. ER 404(b) EVIDENCE OF OTHER CRIMES TO PROVE IDENTITY

Vincente argues that the trial court erred by admitting ER 404(b) evidence of the

Bakersfield crime to prove his identity. He first argues the trial court erred by not 

performing an ER 404(b) analysis on the record. He then argues the court abused its 

discretion by concluding the Bakersfield crime and the Kennewick crime were highly 

similar so as to create a signature and erroneously concluded that the probative value of 

the evidence outweighed any unfair prejudice. We disagree with both arguments.

This court reviews the admission of evidence under ER 404(b) for an abuse of 

discretion. State v. Foxhoven, 161 Wn.2d 168, 174, 163 P.3d 786 (2007). The trial court 

abuses its discretion when its decision is manifestly unreasonable or rests on untenable 

grounds or reasons. State v. Powell, 126 Wn.2d 244, 258, 893 P.2d 615 (1995). Under 

ER 404(b), “[e]vidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts is not admissible to prove the 

character of a person in order to show action in conformity therewith. It may, however, 

be admissible for other purposes, such as . . . identity.” 

1. ER 404(b) analysis on the record

“Before admitting ER 404(b) evidence, a trial court ‘must (1) find by a 

preponderance of the evidence that the misconduct occurred, (2) identify the purpose for 
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which the evidence is to be introduced, (3) determine whether the evidence is relevant to 

prove an element of the crime charged, and (4) weigh the probative value against the 

prejudicial effect.’” Foxhoven, 161 Wn.2d at 175 (quoting State v. Thang, 145 Wn.2d 

630, 642, 41 P.3d 1159 (2002)). The trial court must conduct the ER 404(b) analysis on 

the record. Foxhoven, 161 Wn.2d at 175 (citing State v. Smith, 106 Wn.2d 772, 776, 725 

P.2d 951 (1986) (citing State v. Jackson, 102 Wn.2d 689, 694, 689 P.2d 76 (1984))). 

The Jackson court explained the two primary reasons for requiring an on-therecord analysis of the ER 404(b) factors:

We cannot overemphasize the importance of making such a record. Here, 

as in cases arising under ER 609, the absence of a record precludes 

effective appellate review. See State v. Jones, 101 Wn.2d 113, 677 P.2d 

131 (1984). Moreover, a judge who carefully records his reasons for 

admitting evidence of prior crimes is less likely to err, because the process 

of weighing the evidence and stating specific reasons for a decision insures 

a thoughtful consideration of the issue. 

Jackson, 102 Wn.2d at 694.

Here, the trial court heard argument on the State’s ER 404(b) motion and took the 

motion under advisement so it could review and consider Vincente’s brief. Next, it issued 

a letter to the parties saying it would grant the State’s motion. The State then prepared 

extensive findings of fact and conclusions of law consistent with its briefing. The trial 

court then signed the prepared pleading. 
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The procedure followed here more than adequately addresses the two primary 

concerns expressed in Jackson. First, the detail contained in the extensive written 

findings and conclusions permits more effective appellate review than even the best oral 

findings. Second, taking the time to review and consider the briefing, as was done by the 

trial court here, ensures a more thoughtful process than an oral monologue, typically 

spanning less than one minute. For these reasons, we conclude that the process followed 

here more than satisfies the requirement that the trial court analyze the ER 404(b) factors 

on the record. 

2. Application of ER 404(b) factors

Vincente does not challenge the first two ER 404(b) factors—(1) he committed the 

Bakersfield crime, and (2) the purpose for admitting evidence of that crime was to 

establish identity, i.e., that he also committed the Kennewick crime. Instead, he argues 

that evidence of the Bakersfield crime was not relevant, and the prejudicial effect of the 

evidence outweighed the probative value. 

a. The Bakersfield crime was relevant

In Thang, our high court held:

When evidence of other bad acts is introduced to show identity by 

establishing a unique modus operandi, the evidence is relevant to the 

current charge “only if the method employed in the commission of both 

crimes is ‘so unique’ that proof that an accused committed one of the
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crimes creates a high probability that he also committed the other crimes 

with which he is charged.”

Thang, 145 Wn.2d at 643 (quoting State v. Russell, 125 Wn.2d 24, 66-67, 882 P.2d 

747 (1994)). The prior crime “‘must be so unusual and distinctive as to be like a 

signature.’” Foxhoven, 161 Wn.2d at 176 (internal quotation marks omitted) 

(quoting State v. Coe, 101 Wn.2d 772, 777, 684 P.2d 668 (1984)). Whether the 

prior crime is similar enough to the charged crime to warrant admission is left to 

the discretion of the trial court. Id. at 177 (quoting State v. Jenkins, 53 Wn. App. 

228, 236, 766 P.2d 499 (1989)).

Here, the Bakersfield and Kennewick crimes were highly similar. Both 

involved (1) two young Hispanic men (2) using guns to (3) intrude into the home 

of a (4) business owner, (5) using (or planning to use) a third person, yet to arrive,

to watch family members at the home, and (6) having (or planning to have) the 

business owner drive the two intruders to the business to commit the robbery. 

Even more telling, both involved a younger robber who was bilingual 

English/Spanish, and an older, heavier robber who was monolingual Spanish. 

We recognize that the two crimes also had dissimilarities. For instance, one 

crime involved a ruse to gain entry, ski masks, and zip ties, whereas the other did 

not.
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Vincente argues that the two crimes were not sufficiently unique because 

there were four other similar crimes committed in the Northwestern United States 

from 2009 through 2011. Two of these “similar crimes” occurred in Oregon. 

Neither of those two crimes involved Hispanic men nor did any of the participants 

speak Spanish. A third crime occurred in Yakima, and a fourth crime occurred in 

Wapato, just south of Yakima. The record suggests that those latter crimes and the 

Bakersfield and Kennewick crimes do have significant similarities. 

But even if the Yakima and Wapato crimes had significant similarities to 

the Bakersfield and Kennewick crimes, this would not require us to reverse the 

trial court. This is because the Bakersfield and Kennewick crimes are nevertheless 

highly unique. Because they are highly unique, the trial court did not abuse its 

discretion when it determined that proof that Vincente committed the Bakersfield 

crime made it highly probable that he also committed the Kennewick crime. 

Moreover, substantial physical evidence corroborated Vincente’s 

participation in the Kennewick crime. Specifically, the pages attached to the 

clipboard used during the Kennewick crime bore Vincente’s prints and did not 

contain anyone else’s prints. This fact contradicts Vincente’s closing argument
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that he had no involvement in the Kennewick crime and that his brother likely took 

his papers from his backpack. 

We conclude the trial court did not abuse its discretion when it determined 

that evidence of the Bakersfield crime was relevant to the Kennewick crime.

b. The probative value outweighs the unfair prejudice 

Vincente argues that evidence of the Bakersfield crime was unduly prejudicial 

because without it, the State’s evidence was very weak, consisting only of his prints on 

papers found in Mark Welsh’s truck and a backpack similar to T.W.’s found in 

Vincente’s mother’s home. 

“‘[U]nfair prejudice’ is that which is more likely to arouse an emotional response 

than a rational decision by the jury,” not simply evidence adverse to the opposing party. 

State v. Gould, 58 Wn. App. 175, 183, 791 P.2d 569 (1990). 

Here, the trial court gave the jury a limiting instruction that specified how the jury 

was to consider the evidence of the Bakersfield crime. The instruction told the jury that it 

could consider evidence of the Bakersfield crime only for the purpose of identity and not 

for any other purpose. We presume that the jury followed the trial court’s limiting 

instruction. State v. Stein, 144 Wn.2d 236, 247, 27 P.3d 184 (2001). During closing, the 

State properly limited its discussion of the Bakersfield crime to the issue of identity. 
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We conclude the trial court did not err by determining that the probative value of 

the Bakersfield crime was greater than the undue prejudice caused by its admission. 

B. OTHER SUSPECT EVIDENCE

Vincente contends the trial court violated his Sixth Amendment to the United 

States Constitution right to present a defense when it limited his cross-examination of the 

State’s witnesses. He relies on State v. Jones, 168 Wn.2d 713, 230 P.3d 576 (2010) and 

State v. Starbuck, 189 Wn. App. 740, 355 P.3d 1167 (2015) for the proposition that a trial 

court’s order limiting cross-examinations of witnesses can violate a defendant’s 

constitutional right to present a defense. But Vincente fails to explain what evidence the 

trial court’s ruling precluded him from eliciting and how that impaired his defense. 

The trial court’s ruling prevented Vincente from suggesting or arguing through the 

State’s witnesses that Umberto had committed the Kennewick crime. Vincente’s defense 

was not that his brother committed the Kennewick crime. The State never contested that. 

Vincente’s defense was that he was not suspect 1; instead, suspect 1 was an older,

bilingual Hispanic man.

The trial court’s ruling did not prevent Vincente from cross-examining the State’s 

witnesses to establish that suspect 1 was an older, bilingual Hispanic man. First, the 

Welsh family members generally described suspect 1 as mature and in control, and in his 
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20s or 30s. Second, they described suspect 1’s physical appearance slightly dissimilar to 

Vincente. Most importantly, Vincente argued extensively in closing that he was not 

suspect 1. His argument was based on evidence obtained from the State’s witnesses that 

suspect 1 was an older, articulate, bilingual Hispanic man. 

The trial court’s ruling did not diminish Vincente’s ability to cross-examine the 

State’s witnesses with regard to suspect 1. We conclude that the trial court’s ruling did 

not impair Vincente’s ability to present his defense, i.e., that he was not suspect 1. 

C. SUFFICIENCY OF THE EVIDENCE

Vincente next challenges the sufficiency of the evidence, claiming the State did 

not present sufficient evidence that he was the person who committed the Kennewick 

crime. We disagree.

In a criminal case, the State must provide sufficient evidence to prove each 

element of the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 

307, 316, 99 S. Ct. 2781, 61 L. Ed. 2d 560 (1979). In evaluating the sufficiency of the 

evidence, the court must determine whether, when viewing the evidence in the light most

favorable to the State, any rational trier of fact could have found guilt beyond a 

reasonable doubt. State v. Pirtle, 127 Wn.2d 628, 643, 904 P.2d 245 (1995). A claim of 

insufficiency admits the truth of the State’s evidence and all reasonable inferences from 
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that evidence. State v. Kintz, 169 Wn.2d 537, 551, 238 P.3d 470 (2010). Reviewing 

courts also must defer to the trier of fact “on issues of conflicting testimony, credibility of 

witnesses, and the persuasiveness of the evidence.” State v. Thomas, 150 Wn.2d 821, 

874-75, 83 P.3d 970 (2004). This court does not reweigh the evidence and substitute its 

judgment for that of the jury. State v. Green, 94 Wn.2d 216, 221, 616 P.2d 628 (1980)

(plurality opinion). For sufficiency of evidence claims, circumstantial and direct evidence 

carry equal weight. State v. Varga, 151 Wn.2d 179, 201, 86 P.3d 139 (2004). 

Vincente cites State v. Thomson, 70 Wn. App. 200, 211, 852 P.2d 1104 (1993), 

aff’d, 123 Wn.2d 877, 872 P.2d 1097 (1994), for the principle that the identity of the 

criminal defendant and his presence at the scene of the crimes charged must be proved 

beyond a reasonable doubt. He raises four specific arguments in his sufficiency 

challenge. We address each separately. 

1. Whether Vincente was in Washington on February 9, 2011

Vincente cites his own testimony that he did not come to Washington until May 

2011. Nevertheless, he testified that his mother lived in Grandview and that he 

sometimes visited her. Moreover, the papers found in Mark Welsh’s truck had 

Vincente’s prints and only his prints. A jury could reasonably discount Vincente’s own 
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self-serving testimony and put weight on the uncontroverted fact that only Vincente’s 

prints were on the papers found in Mark Welsh’s truck. 

2. Whether the Welsh family members sufficiently identified Vincente

Hayley Welsh was the only person who briefly saw suspect 1 without a ski mask. 

She described suspect 1 as possibly having freckles. Vincente does not have freckles. In 

a photomontage, she could not identify Vincente as suspect 1. 

In addition, family members variously described suspect 1 as in his 20s to 30s, 

short, between 5’8” and 5’10,” and conflictingly chubby or skinny. All identified suspect 

1 as speaking English and Spanish. Vincente was 15 in early 2011, 5’7” tall, and spoke 

English and Spanish. But a jury could reasonably discount these various descriptions, 

given that suspect 1 was wearing a ski mask and told the Welsh family members not to 

look at him. 

Hayley Welsh and Mark Welsh described suspect 1 as a smooth talker, in charge, 

and very composed and calm. Although this description of suspect 1 would not match 

most descriptions of a 15 year old, the record contains no evidence about Vincente’s 

intelligence, maturity, and verbal ability. We note that the jury heard Vincente testify and 

could reach its own conclusion on this issue.

3. No evidence that Vincente touched certain items in his mother’s 

home
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Vincente argues that the State presented no evidence that he touched the ski masks 

or the orange vests or jackets found in his mother’s garage. Although true, this does not 

preclude the jury from reasonably finding that other evidence, such as the three papers

found in Mark Welsh’s truck, linked Vincente to the Kennewick crime.

4. Fingerprints alone cannot sustain a conviction

Vincente relies on State v. Bridge, 91 Wn. App. 98, 955 P.2d 418 (1998) for the 

proposition that fingerprints alone cannot sustain a conviction. In Bridge, an unidentified 

person broke into the victim’s barn by destroying the door and moving various items 

around. Id. at 99. The perpetrator moved a newly purchased tool to the point of entry, 

and law enforcement found Mr. Bridge’s fingerprint on the price tag. Id. The victim did 

not know or recognize Mr. Bridge and law enforcement arrested him. Id. He was 

convicted of second degree burglary. Id. On appeal, this court reversed and dismissed 

the charges, reasoning that the only evidence was the single fingerprint, and it was located 

on a movable, recently purchased object that had been accessible to anyone while in the 

stream of commerce. Id. at 101. In those circumstances, that sole fingerprint was 

insufficient evidence.

The facts of this case are distinguishable. The State presented (1) ER 404(b) 

evidence to show identity between the Bakersfield and Kennewick crimes, (2) items 
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recovered from Vincente’s mother’s home that connected a family member with the 

Kennewick crime, and (3) Vincente’s prints, and only his prints, on three papers found in 

Mark Welsh’s truck. The quantity of evidence tying Vincente to the Kennewick crime is 

substantially greater than the paucity of evidence presented in Bridge. In addition, the 

presence of Mr. Bridge’s fingerprint on a price tag attached to a recently purchased item

could have an innocent explanation. Here, Vincente never provided an innocent 

explanation why his prints, and his prints only, were on three papers found in Mark 

Welsh’s truck. 

In conclusion, the State presented sufficient evidence for a jury to find beyond a 

reasonable doubt that Vincente was suspect 1.

D. SENTENCING UNDER HOUSTON-SCONIERS

Vincente claims the sentencing court violated his protections under the Eight 

Amendment when it did not consider the hallmark features of his youth and related 

mitigating considerations. The State responds that the mitigating considerations do not 

apply because the Kennewick crime was well-planned and was not an impetuous act of a 

youth. Alternatively, and somewhat contradictorily, the State argues that the sentencing

court exercised its discretion and mitigated Vincente’s sentence when it imposed a 
No. 34708-7-III

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24

sentence on the low end of the standard range and when it declined to impose the major 

economic crime aggravator.

The Sentencing Reform Act of 1981 (SRA), chapter 9.94A RCW, provides that a 

standard range sentence “shall not be appealed.” RCW 9.94A.585(1); see also former 

RCW 9.94A.210(1) (1989). “‘However, this prohibition does not bar a party’s right to 

challenge the underlying legal conclusions and determinations by which a court comes to 

apply a particular sentencing provision.’” State v. Ramos, 187 Wn.2d 420, 433, 387 P.3d 

650, cert. denied, 138 S. Ct. 467, 199 L. Ed 2d 355 (2017) (quoting State v. Williams, 149 

Wn.2d 143, 147, 65 P.3d 1214 (2003)).

In O’Dell, the defendant had just turned 18 when he had sex with a 12-year-old 

girl. 183 Wn.2d at 683. O’Dell noted that youth may relate to a defendant’s crime, and 

therefore “youth can . . . amount to a substantial and compelling factor, in particular 

cases, justifying a sentence below the standard range.” Id. at 696. O’Dell held that trial 

courts “must be allowed to consider youth as a mitigating factor when imposing a 

sentence” on a youthful offender. Id. 

In Houston-Sconiers, the defendants were 16 and 17 at the time they used a gun to 

rob mostly Halloween candy from children. Houston-Sconiers, 188 Wn.2d at 9-11. The

juveniles were convicted in adult court of multiple crimes, including several counts of 
No. 34708-7-III

State v. Figueroa

25

robbery, together with several mandatory firearm enhancements. Id. at 12. The trial 

judge commented during sentencing that he wished he had discretion to impose a lesser 

sentence but could not because he had taken an oath to follow the law. Id. at 13. 

Houston-Sconiers affirmed the convictions but remanded for resentencing. Id. at 34.

Houston-Sconiers notes that children are not adults, and that the Eight Amendment 

to the United States Constitution requires sentencing courts to consider the offender’s 

youthfulness at the time the offense was committed when imposing the sentence. 

Houston-Sconiers holds:

[S]entencing courts must have complete discretion to consider mitigating 

circumstances associated with the youth of any juvenile defendant, even in 

the adult criminal justice system, regardless of whether the juvenile is there 

following a decline hearing or not. To the extent our state statutes have 

been interpreted to bar such discretion with regard to juveniles, they are 

overruled. Trial courts must consider mitigating qualities of youth at 

sentencing and must have discretion to impose any sentence below the 

otherwise applicable SRA range and/or sentence enhancements.

Id. at 21 (footnote omitted). Houston-Sconiers explains:

[I]n exercising full discretion in juvenile sentencing, the court must 

consider mitigating circumstances related to the defendant’s youth—

including age and its “hallmark features,” such as the juvenile’s 

“immaturity, impetuosity, and failure to appreciate risks and 

consequences.” [Miller v. Alabama, 567 U.S. 460, 132 S. Ct. 2455, 2468, 

183 L. Ed. 2d 407 (2012)]. It must also consider factors like the nature of 

the juvenile’s surrounding environment and family circumstances, the 

extent of the juvenile’s participation in the crime, and “the way familial and 

peer pressures may have affected him [or her].” Id. And it must consider 
No. 34708-7-III

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26

how youth impacted any legal defense, along with any factors suggesting 

that the child might be successfully rehabilitated. Id.

Id. at 23 (second alteration in original).

Arguably, the record shows that the sentencing court believed a mitigated sentence 

was appropriate. Here, the sentencing court did not impose the major economic crime 

aggravator and sentenced Vincente at the very low end of the standard range. 

But the record is insufficient to show whether the trial court understood it could 

impose a mitigated sentence without regard to mandatory minimums and mandatory 

consecutive sentences. This is not surprising. The trial court sentenced Vincente before 

Houston-Sconiers and no Washington court had yet explicitly held that a trial court had 

authority to disregard mandatory minimums and mandatory consecutive sentences when 

sentencing a defendant who was a minor at the time the crime was committed. The 

dissent is mistaken when it claims the trial court understood its authority to do so. The 

State’s sentencing brief did not concede that point nor did the State concede this point 

during argument at sentencing. A trial court is not required to explicitly explain its 

sentence on the record. However, had the trial court stated on the record that it knew it 

had authority to sentence Vincente without regard to mandatory minimums and 

mandatory consecutive sentences, but was electing not to exercise such authority, we
No. 34708-7-III

State v. Figueroa

27

would not be required to remand this matter for resentencing.5 

On remand, the trial court should explain whether and to what extent the 

mitigating circumstances of Vincente’s youth apply to the Kennewick crime. If the trial 

court finds that mitigating circumstances do apply, it should also explain its 

understanding of its full discretion to sentence Vincente without regard to mandatory 

minimums and mandatory consecutive sentences. 

Because resentencing is required, we do not address Vincente’s arguments about

whether his sentence should be corrected to reflect that it is concurrent with the 

Bakersfield sentence and whether the sentencing court erred in not conducting an 

adequate inquiry into his ability to pay. 

Finally, Vincente asks that we exercise our discretion and not award appellate 

costs to the State in the event it substantially prevails. We conclude there is no 

substantially prevailing party and deny the State an award of appellate costs.

 

5 The dissent pens compelling arguments for the State to make on remand. We are 

confident that Vincente can make his own compelling arguments and so refrain from 

making those arguments for him. 

In addition, the dissent seemingly invites the sentencing court to impose a greater 

sentence on remand than imposed by the original judge who is now retired. We express 

no opinion whether the sentencing court on remand should impose a lesser, greater, or 

equal sentence. Nor do we agree with the dissent that a greater sentence by a different

judge may not be deemed vindictive. 
No. 34708-7-III 

State v. Figueroa 

We affirm Vincente's convictions, but we reverse his sentence and remand for 

resentencing. 

A majority of the panel has determined this opinion will not be printed in the 

Washington Appellate Reports, but it will be' filed for public record pursuant to 

RCW 2.06.040. 

lAw <<.r, t<. ~ g'IAM ( , (. • ~ . Lawrence-Berrey, C.J. 

I CONCUR: 

28 
No. 34708-7-III 

KORSMO, J. ( dissenting) - The trial court already did everything that it was 

required to do and apparently concluded that this crime did not exhibit the impulsiveness 

of youth that is the constitutional basis for treating leniently some minors who commit 

major crimes. Since the trial court considered the argument already, there is no reason to 

send this back for another review. I also part company with the majority's needless and 

erroneous criticism of the prosecutor withdrawing his motion in limine after the State's 

evidence had been presented. Far from being critical, we should be commending this 

approach to all trial judges who face efforts from a party attempting to enter evidence 

without sufficient foundation. For both reasons, I respectfully dissent from those two 

portions of the majority opinion. 

As to the sentencing issue, the record of this case is clear that the trial judge and 

the parties knew that Vincente Figueroa's youth at the time of the offense was a basis for 

granting an exceptional sentence under State v. O'Dell, 183 Wn.2d 680,358 P.3d 359 

(2015). It was briefed by the parties and, indeed, the very first words out of defense 

counsel's mouth at sentencing expressly addressed the topic: 

MS. HARKINS: Your Honor,just a couple things. I know you read 

the state's sentencing memo, and I'm obviously just going to be addressing 

the portion that talks about going below the 593 months and doing an 
No. 34708-7-III 

State v. Figueroa-Dissent 

exceptional sentence downward, and that's based on State vs O'Dell. And 

the state did lay out three reasons that you can do that: Impulsivity, poor 

judgment, susceptibility to outside influences, and I'm sure that you're 

familiar with that case. And in that case we're talking about an 18-yearold, who actually it's ten days past his 18th birthday, and in that case the 

Court of Appeals sent the case back for the Court to consider his youth and 

because they've now learned that youth does make a difference. In fact, the 

brain isn't even developed as it is in people who are in their later 20s. 

I think that's relevant, because here we' re not talking about 

somebody who just turned 18. At the time of this crime, it was six years 

ago, and he was 15 years old. If in any case youth is taken into 

consideration, I think that it needs to be taken into consideration in this 

case. 

Report of Proceedings (RP) (Aug. 25, 2016) at 5-6. 

Defense counsel continued in this vein and argued that it made no sense to impose 

more time than the 29 years defendant already was serving on the California convictions. 

RP at 8-10. The court also heard two victim impact statements and heard the defendant 

deny involvement in the offense. RP at 11. The trial court also knew that the jury had 

found the presence of an aggravating factor-this crime involved a major economic 

offense. Clerk's Papers (CP) at 139. The prosecutor's trial memorandum noted the 

aggravating factor and indicated it would not seek an exceptional sentence, but would 

seek a standard range sentence of 600 months. CP at 145. The trial court concluded 

sentencing by choosing low or midrange sentences for each offense and running 

consecutively those offenses and enhancements that normally are "required" to be run 

consecutively and running concurrently those offenses that needed to be run concurrently. 

2 
No. 34708-7-III 

State v. Figueroa-Dissent 

The 600 month total sentence was a mere seven months above the bottom end of the 

sentencing range. 

Mr. Figueroa received a standard range sentence. By statute, affirmed by our case 

law, Mr. Figueroa cannot challenge that sentence. RCW 9.94A.585(1); State v. Grayson, 

154 Wn.2d 333,338, 111 P.3d 1183 (2005). Instead, all he can challenge is the trial 

court's failure to follow a mandatory procedure at sentencing. State v. Mail, 121 Wn.2d 

707, 712, 854 P.2d 1042 (1993). In the context of youthful offenders, the dictate of the 

constitution is that the trial court consider the off ender's youth when imposing sentence 

and have the discretion to mitigate a sentence because of that factor. State v. Scott, No. 

94020-7 slip op. at 8-11 (Wash. May 10, 2018) http://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/pdf 

/940207. pdf. 

Here, the trial court did what it was required to do-consider the defendant's 

request for an exceptional sentence that would have been similar in length to and 

concurrent with the California sentence. Thus, there is no basis for even hearing this 

challenge, let alone a reason for reversing the sentence. Nonetheless, apparently 

interpreting the word "consider" as meaning "articulate on the record," the majority faults 

the trial judge for not "considering" the exceptional sentence. There is no basis for this 

conclusion. In the nearly 34 years that Washington has acted under the Sentencing 

Reform Act of 1981 (SRA), ch. 9.94A RCW, there is no provision under that statute and 

no case law requiring a trial court to explain why it is refusing to impose an exceptional 

3 
No. 34708-7-III 

State v. Figueroa-Dissent 

sentence. It is not a mandatory procedure under the SRA. Mr. Figueroa has no basis for 

even bringing this challenge to his standard range sentences. 

Of course, it also is plain why his pitch for an exceptional sentence was rejected. 

Not only did he pull off a successful robbery and commit 8 serious or serious violent 

offenses, the $372,000 worth of diamonds has gone unrecovered for more than 8 years. 

The jury understandably concluded this was a major economic offense, a decision that 

could justify the successor judge on remand 1 exceeding the 710 month top end of the 

standard range. The request also failed under the facts of this case. This was an 

exceptionally well-planned and well-executed crime. It did not bear any hallmarks of 

youthful impulsiveness. It also appeared to be part of a pattern of similar crimes and did 

not suggest immaturity. The defendant moved across state lines, worked with two adults, 

and had a major role in the operation. This was not a juvenile lark. 

Moreover, the defense presented no evidence that even attempted to establish the 

youthful mitigation factor. There was no evaluation of the defendant nor any indication 

about his maturity level at the time of the crime. He did not claim to be acting under the 

direction of his big brother or some other adult. Of course, since he continues to deny 

1 With the retirement of the original trial judge and the passage of nearly a decade 

from the successful robbery with the diamonds remaining missing, a successor judge may 

view the facts of the case differently than the trial judge did; there would be no possibility 

of judicial vindictiveness in giving a greater sentence. State v. Parmelee, 121 Wn. App. 

707, 708-709, 90 P.3d 1092 (2004) (no presumption of vindictiveness arises when 

different judge imposes more severe sentence). 

4 
No. 34708-7-III 

State v. Figueroa-Dissent 

committing the offense, it is highly unlikely on remand that there will be any evidence 

presented to justify an exceptional sentence below the standard range. 

The trial court "considered" the exceptional sentence under the typical meaning of 

that term. There was no evidence to support a mitigated sentence. Given that the jury 

also found an aggravating factor present, there is no reason to order a resentencing in this 

case. 

While the foregoing is a sufficient reason to dissent, the majority's inclusion of 

footnote 4 would have compelled me to dissent even if the sentencing argument had been 

rejected. Far from criticizing the prosecutor, we should be commending this tactic to all 

trial judges and trial attorneys. 

The footnote errs in suggesting that there was anything untoward in maintaining a 

proper objection (supported by the trial court ruling) during the State's case since none of 

the State's witnesses could present any evidence in support of the defendant's purported 

theory that Mr. Figueroa's brother Umberto committed these offenses.2 The trial court 

correctly excluded this evidence for lack of foundation. Moreover, the statement that the 

prosecutor "withdrew" his objection is factually accurate. It also was the proper thing to 

2 It also would have been stupid for the defense to make the argument that 

Umberto committed the Kennewick crimes since both brothers had been convicted of the 

California crimes. Tying his brother to the current offenses was further circumstantial 

evidence of Vincente's guilt in these crimes. 

5 
No. 34708-7-111 

State v. Figueroa-Dissent 

do once the defendant decided to testify. Prior to the defense presentation of its case, the 

prosecutor addressed the court: 

Your Honor, just for the record, I think the defendant might be testifying, 

but we will actually withdraw our objection. If he wants to get on the 

witness stand and say that his brother was a perpetrator and he has some 

direct know ledge about that on our offense here in Kennewick. So he can 

say that if he has some direct knowledge that his brother's a perpetrator, 

we'll withdraw our objection and he can so testify. 

2 RP (July 21, 2016) at 342. 

Accordingly, I do not know how the majority can suggest either this statement, or 

the correct citation to it in the briefing, is the least bit "disingenuous. "3 The only possible 

source for the majority's discomfort is that the prosecutor waited until the State's case 

·had concluded before withdrawing its objection. 

That was perfectly proper and probably constitutionally compelled. Although the 

defendant has the constitutional right to present a defense, that right does not include 

evidence that is irrelevant or inadmissible. State v. Jones, 168 Wn.2d 713, 720, 230 P.3d 

576 (2010); State v. Hudlow, 99 Wn.2d 1, 15, 659 P.2d 514 (1983). With respect to 

"other suspects evidence," Washington has very strict standards that are consistent with 

those of the United States Supreme Court. See State v. Franklin, 180 Wn.2d 371,378, 

325 P.3d 159 (2014) (a trial court's exclusion of "other suspect evidence" is an 

3 The term means "lacking in candor" or "giving a false appearance of simple 

frankness." WEBSTER'S THIRD NEW INTERNATIONAL DICTIONARY 650 (1993). 

6 
No. 34 708-7-III 

State v. Figueroa-Dissent 

application of the general evidentiary rule that excludes evidence if its probative value is 

outweighed by such factors as unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, or potential to 

mislead the jury (citing Holmes v. South Carolina, 547 U.S. 319, 326-327, 126 S. Ct. 

1727, 164 L. Ed. 2d 503 (2006)). 

Washington permits a criminal defendant to present evidence that another person 

committed the crime when he can establish "a train of facts or circumstances as tend 

clearly to point out some one besides the prisoner as the guilty party. "4 State v. Downs, 

168 Wash. 664,667, 13 P.2d 1 (1932); State v. Rehak, 67 Wn. App. 157, 162, 834 P.2d 

651 (1992), cert. denied, 508 U.S. 953 (1993). The United States Supreme Court has 

approved this standard for admitting "third party guilt" evidence. Holmes, 547 U.S. at 

327. Moreover, this evidence will only be admitted if the defendant can present a 

combination of facts or circumstances that points to a nonspeculative link between the 

other suspect and th~ crime. Franklin, 180 Wn.2d at 3 81. The standard for the relevance 

of such evidence is whether it tends to connect someone other than the defendant with the 

charged crime. Id. 

4 In establishing a foundation for admission of "other suspect evidence," the 

defendant must show a clear nexus between the other person and the crime. State v. Rafay, 

168 Wn. App. 734,800,285 P.3d 83 (2012), review denied, 176 Wn.2d 1023, cert. denied, 

571 U.S. 867 (2013). The proposed evidence must also show that the third party took a 

step indicating an intention to act on the motive or opportunity. Id. Evidence of possible 

motive alone is insufficient to establish this nexus. State v. Kwan, 174 Wash. 528, 533, 25 

P.2d 104 (1933); State v. Condon, 72 Wn. App. 638, 647, 865 P.2d 521 (1993). 

7 
No. 34708-7-III 

State v. Figueroa-Dissent 

Here, the defendant had no evidence that Umberto Figueroa committed these 

crimes to the exclusion of Vincente Figueroa. He can point to no evidence possessed by 

any of the State's witnesses that suggested Umberto's involvement in the crimes. 5 

Accordingly, the trial court correctly granted the motion in limine to exclude questioning 

of the State's witnesses about the possible involvement of Umberto Figueroa. 

That changed once the defendant was ready to take the stand. If he had personal 

knowledge that his brother was involved, prohibiting testimony about that topic might 

have violated Vincente Figueroa's right to present a defense. Jones, 168 Wn.2d at 720. 

It was prudent for the prosecutor to withdraw his objection in the (highly unlikely) event 

that Mr. Figueroa wanted to blame his brother for the Kennewick crimes. 

Accordingly, there was nothing disingenuous about the prosecutor's actions. He 

convinced the trial judge to prohibit the improper questioning of witnesses who had no 

evidence to present on the topic. However, once the defendant decided to testify and was 

in a position to provide a proper foundation for other suspects evidence, the objection 

was withdrawn in order to facilitate the right to present a defense. The defense had no 

constitutional right to ask foundationless questions of witnesses who did not know about 

Umberto Figueroa's involvement in the Kennewick crimes. 

5 We may well speculate that Kennewick law enforcement suspected Umberto was 

involved due to his work with Vincente Figueroa in the California case and his presence 

in Kennewick at the time of these crimes, but there appears to be no hard evidence 

supporting that suspicion. 

8 
No. 34708-7-III 

State v. Figueroa-Dissent 

This was excellent practice and should be commended to all. Since the majority 

thinks otherwise, I also dissent on this point. 

9