Filed 6/24/16 P. v. Walters CA4/1

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COURT OF APPEAL, FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT

DIVISION ONE

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

THE PEOPLE,

Plaintiff and Respondent,

v.

VINCENT L. WALTERS,

Defendant and Appellant.

 D069197

 (Super. Ct. No. SCD260844)

APPEAL from a judgment of the Superior Court of San Diego County, Frederic L. 

Link, Judge. Affirmed.

Richard L. Fitzer, under appointment by the Court of Appeal, for Defendant and 

Appellant.

No appearance for Plaintiff and Respondent.

Vincent L. Walters appeals a judgment following his guilty plea to one count of 

murder (Pen. Code, § 187, subd. (a)) and two counts of kidnapping for ransom (§ 209, 

subd. (a)).
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FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

In April 2015, an information charged Walters with one count of conspiracy to 

commit kidnapping for ransom (§ 182, subd. (a)(1)), three counts of kidnapping for 

ransom (§ 209, subd. (a)), and one count of murder (§ 187, subd. (a)). It also alleged that,

in committing the three kidnapping-for-ransom offenses, he was armed with a firearm 

(§ 12022, subd. (a)(1)).

In October, pursuant to a plea agreement, Walters pleaded guilty to the first degree 

murder of Kristine Reyes (§ 187, subd. (a)) (count 5) and the kidnapping for ransom of 

Michael Provencio and Danny Johnson (§ 209, subd. (a)) (counts 2 & 3). His plea form 

stated that he was induced to plead guilty by the stipulated total prison term of 32 years to 

life in prison and dismissal of the remainder of the counts and allegations. As part of his 

guilty plea, Walters waived his right to appeal that stipulated sentence. The trial court 

questioned Walters regarding the plea agreement and waiver of his constitutional rights, 

found a factual basis for his plea, and accepted his guilty plea and admissions. Walters 

admitted he willfully murdered Reyes with premeditation and deliberation and he 

kidnapped for ransom Michael Provencio and Danny Johnson. The court dismissed the 

remainder of the counts and allegations against him. At sentencing, the court imposed 

the stipulated total sentence of 32 years to life in prison.

Walters timely filed a notice of appeal. The trial court denied his request for a 

certificate of probable cause.
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DISCUSSION

Walters's appointed counsel has filed a brief summarizing the facts and 

proceedings below. Counsel presents no argument for reversal of the judgment, but asks 

this court to review the record for error as mandated by People v. Wende (1979) 25 

Cal.3d 436 and Anders v. California (1967) 386 U.S. 738. To assist our review, counsel 

cites Anders v. California and refers to whether Walters's plea was voluntary and whether 

counsel provided effective assistance.

We granted Walters permission to file a supplemental brief on his own behalf, but 

he has not responded. A review of the record pursuant to People v. Wende, supra, 25 

Cal.3d 436 and Anders v. California, supra, 386 U.S. 738 has disclosed no reasonably 

arguable appellate issues. Walters has been competently represented by counsel on this 

appeal.

DISPOSITION

The judgment is affirmed.

McDONALD, Acting P. J.

WE CONCUR:

O'ROURKE, J.

Prager, J.*

 

* Judge of the San Diego Superior Court, assigned by the Chief Justice pursuant to 

article VI, section 6 of the California Constitution.