Source: http://academy.lawofselfdefense.com/law_case/people-v-mondine-2016-cal-app-unpub-lexis-8495-ca-ct-app-2016/
Timestamp: 2019-04-18 16:22:59+00:00

Document:
THE PEOPLE, Plaintiff and Respondent, v. DEVON CAMDEN MONDINE, Defendant and Appellant.
Charles M. Bonneau, Jr., under appointment by the Court of Appeal, for Defendant and Appellant.
Kamala D. Harris, Attorney General, Michael P. Farrell, Assistant Attorney General, Catherine Chatman and A. Kay Lauterbach, Deputy Attorneys General, for Plaintiff and Respondent.
Judges: LEVY, Acting P. J.; GOMES, J., SMITH, J. concurred.
Opinion by: LEVY, Acting P. J.
This is an appeal of three cases. In Kern County Superior Court case number BF146307A, appellant Devon Camden Mondine was convicted of murder (Pen. Code, § 187, subd. (a);  count 1); attempted murder (§§ 664/187, subd. (a); count 2); and possession of a firearm as a felon (§ 29800, subd. (a)(1); count 3). For counts 1 and 2, the jury found true that appellant acted with premeditation and deliberation (§ 189); and he personally discharged a firearm (§ 12022.53, subd. (d)). For all three counts, the jury found true that the crimes were committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal street gang with the specific intent to promote, further or assist in criminal conduct by gang members (§ 186.22, subd. (b)(1)). Appellant received an aggregated indeterminate sentence of 90 years to life.
Appellant was sentenced in two additional Kern County Superior Court cases, BF127849A and BF136825B (the Companion Cases). He received 16 months for violating Health and Safety Code section 11378, and two years for violating former Penal Code section 12021, subdivision (a)(1).
On appeal, appellant contends the evidence is insufficient to support the murder and attempted murder verdicts; the trial court erred in prohibiting certain defense expert testimony; insufficient evidence exists to sustain the gang enhancements; the trial court erred in permitting certain expert testimony for the prosecution; prosecutorial misconduct occurred during closing arguments; and sentencing error occurred regarding the Companion Cases. Respondent also raises an issue, contending sentencing error occurred because appellant did not receive any additional time in counts 1 and 2 for the gang enhancements.
We determine the evidence is insufficient to sustain the gang enhancements in counts 1, 2 and 3. We also agree with appellant that sentencing error occurred in the Companion Cases. We reject the parties’ remaining arguments and otherwise affirm, but we remand for resentencing.
I. The Prosecution’s case in BF146307A.
Appellant was a member of the West Side Crips, a criminal street gang in Bakersfield, California. On January 20, 2013, he shot Otis Taylor and Clint Alexander, who were both members of the same gang with appellant. Taylor died from five gunshot wounds. Alexander lived but suffered a gunshot wound to his left knee, which required two surgeries.
The shooting occurred outside the home where Taylor resided. Earlier in the day, appellant had been riding in a vehicle with other acquaintances and friends, including his girlfriend, Lynley Edwards. They arrived at Taylor’s residence around 4:00 or 5:00 p.m. Davontae Woodberry, known as Man-Man, and his brother, were some of the passengers with appellant. Misty Fuentes drove the vehicle. Upon arriving at Taylor’s residence, Fuentes parked at the bottom of the driveway. Woodberry and another male exited the vehicle. Woodberry went inside Taylor’s residence and then across the street to a store. Appellant remained in the car with other people, including Edwards. Edwards told the jury she thought appellant was being “set up” because the group “took forever” while driving, and they would not drop appellant and Edwards off elsewhere.
Appellant’s demeanor that afternoon was described as normal and “all right.” He did not appear upset or drunk. Edwards, however, later told police she believed appellant was “bipolar” and he would act “crazy” after drinking one beer. She told the jury that although appellant appeared normal he was “high” that afternoon after he had smoked “weed” and had consumed a beer.
Just prior to the shooting, Taylor and Alexander came outside from the residence. Appellant exited the vehicle and talked with them on the driveway. Both Taylor and Alexander kept their hands in their pockets. According to Edwards, who watched from the vehicle, appellant had an argument with them. Edwards told the jury she believed Taylor and Alexander were armed because they kept their hands in their pockets. Taylor and Alexander turned and walked away from appellant, who shot them as they walked away. Appellant then approached the victims and fired more shots, aiming the gun down at them.
Appellant was driven away from the scene in the same vehicle, which stopped and picked up Edwards, who had fled across the street. Appellant and Edwards were dropped off at a nearby donut shop approximately two miles away. After getting out, appellant threw his gun into nearby bushes.
Law enforcement located nine shell casings at the shooting scene. Neither victim had a weapon in their possession. An officer located appellant in the vicinity of the donut shop, and another officer located appellant’s .40-caliber handgun in the bushes.
Edwards testified that appellant obtained his gun the night before this shooting. She observed appellant and his friends “beat up a Mexican guy” and take his gun.
The parties stipulated that appellant had previously been convicted of a felony offense as required in count 3 of the information.
B. Appellant’s interview with law enforcement.
A detective interviewed appellant three or four hours after the shooting. The interview was recorded, and the video was played for the jury.
Appellant told the detective he had been paranoid and suspicious. He said his intended target had been “Little No Brains,” who was causing him to lose sleep. Appellant started carrying a gun with him at all times because he thought someone was trying to get him. Riding around in the vehicle before the shooting, he became suspicious that he was being “set up” because his companions would not take him home or to a park as he asked. While driving, Man-Man had told him to put a bullet into his gun’s barrel, telling appellant to stay ready. This made appellant very suspicious.
The week before, appellant had picked up “one dude” out of town and, by the time they returned to town, appellant had felt that this male, apparently Little No Brains, was talking about something “sneaky.” Appellant thought people wanted to catch him “slippin'” and he felt suspicious of “talk” he had heard. The night before, appellant had received a telephone call at about 2:30 a.m., apparently from Little No Brains, and appellant thought it sounded “evil” and like “somebody should get knocked off.” Appellant did not know if it was real or fake.
Appellant believed Little No Brains was a “shot caller” in the gang or somebody who could make stuff happen. Appellant described him as somebody who had “respect.” He expressed concern that Little No Brains was after him. According to appellant, it was him “against the world.” Appellant had received calls from different people saying “he” was looking for appellant, which scared him. That is why, on the drive before the shooting, appellant kept asking the others to take him home. He did not feel comfortable or safe.
Appellant said he did not know what was happening when they stopped at Taylor’s residence. Two males, one of whom was Man-Man, ran across the street, which appellant thought was suspicious. The victims walked out of the house. Appellant knew they and the “other guy” were all from the “same hood.” The victims walked towards the vehicle and appellant got out. They ignored him when he asked if they were armed, just keeping their hands in their pockets. Appellant assumed the victims had a weapon, or they were going to get one. Appellant told the detective there were “bad vibes.” The victims walked off together, but one of them started to go in a different direction. They kept their hands in their pockets as they walked away. Appellant said he reacted because the victims kept their hands in their hoodies. He did not know why the victims started to walk away, and he had been telling his companions to “take me home.” Appellant had been losing sleep and had been scared. He fired at the victims and walked towards them. He shot until he emptied his clip.
Appellant said the shooting “had to do with one person.” Apparently referring to Little No Brains, appellant said they had “got into a little” in a grocery store parking lot after appellant gave him his “stuff” back. Little No Brains had said he should “sock” appellant for leaving. Appellant told the detective that his feelings could have been wrong about the situation, but he shot the two victims after he saw one of them walking around the car. He did not think his bullets were working because he did not see them strike the victims. The victims dropped and he did not know how they ended up close together. He went closer to the victims and shot down at them until the gun was clicking. He believed he shot at both victims equally.
Appellant did not know the driver, Fuentes. After the shooting, he told her to go. He pushed her and told her to drive off because he wanted to get away from Taylor’s house. At a light near the donut shop, Fuentes told him to get out, and he did, jumping out of the car with his girlfriend. Appellant tossed his gun because he no longer needed it and police were everywhere.
Appellant denied he was manipulated into doing the shooting, saying it was “all my actions.” He said he had smoked some “weed” on the afternoon of the shooting, drank two beers and “probably sipped off a couple other people’s beers and that’s it.” He had snorted some “coke” two days before the shooting. He said he could remember everything.
C. Appellant’s statements in jail.
While in jail, appellant had a telephone conversation with Edwards, which was recorded and played for the jury. Appellant asked Edwards if the “Westside Niggas” were mad.
Joshua Escobedo, a police officer with the Bakersfield police department, testified as the prosecution’s gang expert. Escobedo had worked as a gang investigator in the gang unit for a little over a year and a half. Prior to that, he had worked as a patrol officer. He had personal experience in dealing with the West Side Crips in Bakersfield. He explained to the jury this gang’s traditional boundaries, its rivalries and alliances, its traditional color and hand signs, and its hierarchy.
Escobedo explained how gang monikers, such as Big No Brains, Lil No Brains, Baby No Brains and Tiny No Brains, are used. The “big homey” would bring a new member into the gang, and the new member would take a similar nickname out of respect. If No Brains was the senior member, the newer member might be called Lil No Brains. Lil No Brains might bring somebody new into the gang, calling that person Tiny. A “big homey” has more power within the gang, and newer members would have to show that person allegiance. It was very important for a gang member to maintain respect in the gang. Escobedo had seen people killed over a lack of respect.
Escobedo reviewed and explained for the jury two prior predicate crimes which had been committed by other West Side Crips gang members. He discussed the gang’s primary activities, which included murders, shootings, assault with firearms, carjackings, and narcotic sales. Committing a murder was the fastest way a gang member could elevate status. Regarding a West Side Crips member shooting another member, Escobedo said it was very rare, but it did occur.
Escobedo opined that appellant, Taylor and Alexander were all West Side Crips gang members on the day of this shooting. He believed the present crime was committed for the benefit of or in association with the gang because a “big disagreement” had occurred between these gang members. Appellant believed the victims were retrieving a firearm and he shot his fellow “homey or gang member.” Escobedo opined that Deondrae Miller was known as “Lil No Brains” and he was a West Side Crips gang member on the day of this shooting.
“[PROSECUTOR]: Officer, I would like you to assume the circumstances of the following hypothetical as true. You have an active member of the West Side Crips who you call Shooter [sic] has had a falling out with his big homey, and that’s made Shooter a little scared. One day Shooter is out with acquaintances and he encounters a couple of other people who also end up being active West Side Crips gang members, and we will call them Victim 1 and Victim .
“After a brief conversation with Victim 1 and Victim 2, Shooter draws his weapon, fires it at each of them until his gun runs dry, and he kills Victim 1 and wounds Victim 2, [sic] do you have an opinion as to whether the crimes as they are described in that hypothetical were completed for the benefit or in the furtherance of or in association and do you have such an opinion, and what do you base it on?
Escobedo explained that “Shooter” had a “falling out with his big homey or the guy who brought him into the gang in particular.” The shooting benefited him because he avoided being perceived as “soft” among other gang members, which would cause him to lose status within the gang. To maintain his status, Shooter used violence, which also benefited the gang as it demonstrated to the public the level of brutality the gang members were willing to use. This violence would also keep rival gang members from invading their territory. Finally, this crime demonstrated “association” because multiple people within the gang were trying to resolve a common gang problem.
On cross-examination, Escobedo opined that Shooter had a problem with his big homey, and with Victims 1 and 2. They were associating together as part of the gang and an “in-house altercation” occurred.
Gary A. Longwidth, a clinical psychologist, testified for the defense. In preparation for his trial testimony, Longwidth reviewed two mental health reports regarding appellant, a restoration of competency report, and he interviewed appellant. Longwidth agreed with prior diagnoses that appellant suffered from attention deficit disorder, bipolar disorder, and had a potential substance abuse disorder. Longwidth learned that appellant began using marijuana in eighth grade, began drinking alcohol in the 10th grade, and began using PCP when he was approximately 15 years old. When appellant was 20 years old, he was struck on his head during a fight and rendered unconscious. Longwidth diagnosed a provisional mild traumatic brain injury. Subsequently, appellant began to experience an “overwhelming sense of paranoia” which stemmed from his drug abuse, the history of bipolar, and the head injury.
On cross-examination, Longwidth admitted that appellant exhibited goal oriented behavior regarding some of his actions, such as running away and discarding the gun. Longwidth agreed appellant could have goal oriented thoughts.
Edwin Peng, a psychiatrist, testified for the prosecution. Peng had treated appellant at Patton State Hospital and he had examined appellant about a year prior to his trial testimony. Peng had diagnosed appellant with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and polysubstance abuse. At that time, appellant was not exhibiting symptoms of bipolar disorder. In preparing for his trial testimony, Peng reviewed a report written by Longwidth regarding appellant. Peng had read that Longwidth had diagnosed appellant with bipolar disorder, attention deficit disorder, and a mild traumatic brain injury complicated by drug toxicity. Peng opined that a person with appellant’s disorders, past brain injury, and illegal drug use could still engage in goal oriented behavior.
I. Sufficient Evidence Establishes Premeditation And Deliberation.
Appellant asserts he “delusionally believed” Taylor and Alexander “were in cahoots” with Little No Brains, and they posed a threat of imminent harm. He rejects any notion he had a motive to kill, and he questions the validity of the prosecution’s gang expert who opined the shootings were motivated to benefit the gang. He concedes he armed himself in advance, but contends he did so to defend himself generally. He argues the “shootings were spontaneous and disorganized.” He maintains this record does not show premeditation and deliberation. We disagree.
The victims ignored appellant when he asked if they were armed. He was suspicious because Taylor and Alexander kept their hands in their pockets. He became alarmed when they turned and walked away from him while keeping their hands in their pockets. He believed they were either armed, or they were possibly going to retrieve weapons. Although the record does not suggest a significant period of time passed before appellant began to fire, premeditation and deliberation do not require an extended period of time, and cold, calculated judgment can occur quickly. (People v. Bolin, supra, 18 Cal.4th at pp. 331-332.) Because appellant opened fire after speaking with the victims, and after they began to walk away, a rational jury could have reasonably determined appellant acted on more than just a rash impulse.
After initially firing, appellant walked towards the victims and fired more shots while pointing his gun downward. He fired a total of nine times, emptying his clip. The manner of Taylor’s killing and Alexander’s attempted killing shows calculation and a preconceived design.
The jury was given the opportunity to find appellant guilty of voluntary manslaughter (heat of passion) and attempted voluntary manslaughter. In rendering its verdicts, the jury rejected these alternative theories. Based on this record, the jury could have reasonably determined appellant acted with more than a sudden heat of passion.
II. The Trial Court Did Not Abuse Its Discretion When Limiting Longwidth’s Testimony.
Appellant argues the trial court erred when it sustained a prosecution objection, and ordered stricken, some of the defense expert’s testimony.
Pursuant to CALCRIM Nos. 571 and 604, the jurors were instructed on the imperfect self-defense doctrine regarding the shooting of both victims. The jurors were told to find appellant not guilty of any crime if they concluded he acted in complete self-defense. The distinction between complete self-defense and imperfect self-defense depended on whether appellant held a reasonable belief deadly force was necessary. Imperfect self-defense was present if appellant believed he was in imminent danger of being killed or suffering great bodily injury, and he believed the immediate use of deadly force was necessary to defend against the danger. However, one of those beliefs must have been unreasonable. The prosecution had the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that appellant did not act in imperfect self-defense.
The prosecutoropened his closing arguments by telling the jury it was obvious appellant had shot the victims, and the real issue was his intent. He argued how and why the facts established premeditation and deliberation regarding the murder and attempted murder. He explained why the jury should find true the gang enhancements. The prosecutor asked the jury to reject heat of passion, self-defense and imperfect self-defense. He asserted appellant was guilty of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The prosecutor urged the jury to find appellant guilty of first degree murder.
Following defense counsel’s closing arguments, the prosecutor noted both experts had agreed appellant suffered from mental illness. The prosecutor contended both experts agreed appellant could engage in goal oriented behavior. The prosecutor said “this notion of [appellant] having a mental defect that put him so far out of his mind, and that he didn’t know what he was doing, and he couldn’t perform the intent to kill is kind of nonsense.” A defense objection to the term “nonsense” was overruled.
Appellant argues the trial court erred when it limited Longwidth’s testimony. He contends he was denied a fundamental right to present a defense. In contrast, respondent asserts appellant failed to preserve this issue for appeal because he did not object to the trial court’s ruling on the ground it deprived him of his right to present a defense. Respondent also maintains the trial court’s ruling was correct and, in any event, appellant was able to present a full defense.
As an initial matter, we need not resolve the parties’ dispute regarding whether or not appellant failed to preserve this issue for appeal. When we presume this issue was preserved, appellant’s claim fails on its merits.
Here, under the doctrine of imperfect self-defense, the jury had to determine whether appellant harbored a belief that immediate use of deadly force was necessary to defend against a perceived danger. Based on a hypothetical person with appellant’s disorders, mental injury and drug use, Longwidth originally opined appellant would believe he had to kill someone to eliminate a perceived threat. Longwidth’s opinion conflicted with section 29 as it represented testimony regarding appellant’s intent and mental state. This was an issue for the jury to decide.
Appellant, however, contends this testimony was elicited through a hypothetical question and “Longwidth had not slipped out of the hypothetical.” We disagree. Although a hypothetical question was posed, Longwidth interjected that “[i]n this case” appellant “believed that someone was trying to kill him.” Longwidth then opined that “in his belief system in order to eliminate that threat, he has to kill them.” Such testimony reflected Longwidth’s opinion regarding appellant’s mental state.
Based on this record, we do not find an abuse of discretion when the trial court sustained the prosecutor’s objection and struck Longwidth’s testimony. The trial court’s decision was not arbitrary, capricious or patently absurd. Accordingly, this claim fails.
III. There Is Insufficient Evidence To Sustain The Gang Enhancements.
Appellant asserts the record contains insufficient evidence to sustain the gang enhancements to counts 1, 2 and 3. He maintains he acted alone and there is no evidence establishing his intent to benefit, promote, further, or assist the gang. He relies primarily on People v. Albillar (2010) 51 Cal.4th 47 (Albillar) and In re Frank S. (2006) 141 Cal.App.4th 1192 (Frank).
Respondent contends appellant was recruited into the gang by Lil No Brains, they had a falling out and appellant became suspicious. Appellant could not appear to be soft. He used a stolen firearm in these shootings, which was consistent with the gang’s primary activities. The resolution of this “inter-gang conflict in a public place” enhanced appellant’s status in the gang, and increased the gang’s status in the community. Respondent cites Albillar, supra, 51 Cal.4th 47, and argues substantial evidence supports the gang enhancements.
Three cases, Frank, supra, 141 Cal.App.4th 1192; People v. Ramon (2009) 175 Cal.App.4th 843 (Ramon); and In re Daniel C. (2011) 195 Cal.App.4th 1350 (Daniel), are instructive regarding insufficient evidence to establish a specific intent to promote, further, or assist in criminal conduct by gang members.
Similar to Daniel, appellant did not make any gang signs or state any gang slurs when he shot the victims. There is no evidence appellant was instructed or encouraged to shoot Taylor and Alexander. There is no evidence this shooting was part of another crime committed to benefit the gang. We question the gang expert’s opinion that appellant acted to benefit the gang because shooting these victims would allegedly increase the gang’s reputation and would enhance appellant’s status. The expert’s opinion draws no distinction between crimes in general and crimes carried out with a specific intent to promote, further or assist gang activity. (Daniel, supra, 195 Cal.App.4th at p. 1364.) Frank, Ramon, and Daniel dictate that we vacate the gang enhancements.
Here, unlike in Albillar, appellant confronted Taylor and Alexander by himself. There is no evidence appellant acted in concert with anyone, let alone members of his own gang. The evidence tends to show appellant possessed the gun and shot the victims to further his own interests. Albillar is factually distinguishable.
IV. Escobedo’s Testimony Was Not Prejudicial Regarding Counts 1 And 2.
Appellant contends the trial court abused its discretion by permitting Escobedo to testify these shootings were gang related. He argues it is unlikely he would have been convicted of premeditated murder or attempted premeditated murder without the gang expert’s testimony that these shootings were motivated to benefit the gang. He asserts counts 1 and 2, as well as the gang enhancements, must be reversed.
After the preliminary hearing, both parties filed certain motions in limine. The prosecution sought admission of its gang expert’s testimony to establish motive and intent, and to prove the elements regarding the gang enhancements. The defense requested to bifurcate the gang allegations, and requested an evidentiary hearing to determine the admissibility of the prosecution’s expert testimony.
At the hearing regarding the motions in limine, the trial court inquired about Escobedo’s anticipated opinion testimony. Escobedo was present in court, and the judge asked him directly about his theories. Escobedo, without being placed under oath, responded that his opinions “will be a little more cleaned up for trial.” However, he believed an internal feud occurred between gang members. Escobedo believed appellant’s actions elevated or maintained his status within the gang, while his inaction would have caused him to lose respect. The judge stated Escobedo was “very clear and succinct” regarding his proposed opinion testimony. The judge informed defense counsel that Escobedo’s opinion testimony could be revisited at trial if the evidence did not support it.
The parties dispute whether appellant forfeited this issue on appeal and whether the trial court abused its discretion in permitting Escobedo’s opinion testimony at trial. We need not, however, resolve these disputes. In light of our conclusion in section III above, appellant’s contentions are now moot regarding the gang enhancements in counts 1, 2 and 3 as those true findings are now vacated. Regarding the convictions for premeditated murder and premeditated attempted murder, Escobedo’s opinion testimony was harmless.
As we analyzed in section I, overwhelming evidence establishes premeditation and deliberation. The victims walked out of Taylor’s residence and appellant confronted them while carrying a loaded gun. Appellant opened fire when the victims ignored him and walked away. After initially firing at the victims, appellant walked towards them and fired more shots while pointing his gun downward at them. He fired a total of nine times, emptying his clip.
Based on a review of the entire cause, a miscarriage of justice did not occur. Escobedo’s testimony was not essential to the murder and attempted murder convictions. It is not reasonably probable a result more favorable to appellant would have occurred regarding counts 1 and 2 had the trial court precluded Escobedo’s opinion testimony. Accordingly, this claim fails.
V. The Prosecutor Did Not Commit Misconduct And Any Presumed Misconduct Was Harmless.
Appellant asserts prosecutorial misconduct occurred during closing arguments. He [contends he was denied a fair trial and his conviction must be reversed.
“[PROSECUTOR]: Now, if you decide that the killing of Otis Taylor was first degree murder, you would be essentially finding that it was premeditated and deliberate. According to jury instruction, I believe, it’s 601, the amount of time required for deliberate and premeditation may vary from person to person and according to the circumstances. Willfully, just basically means it was intentional, and it wasn’t an accidental killing. A deliberate [sic] needs a balancing test. I know it’s bad, but can I get away with it? And premeditation is basically thinking about it before you actually do the killing.
“An example of premeditation and deliberation is when a driver is coming up on like a still green light at an intersection. And as he is approaching that light, it turns yellow. And, at that point, that driver has to decide whether he’s going to put on the brakes or if he’s trying to give it some gas and make the light, and he also has to consider that if he gives it some gas, is he going to get a ticket, or worse, is he going to get into a wreck? That is an example of how much time it takes.
“[DEFENSE COUNSEL]: Judge, I’m going to object. That misstates the law really.
“THE COURT: [Appellant] is guilty of first degree murder if the People have proved that he acted willfully, deliberately, and with premeditation. [Appellant] acted willfully if he intended to kill, and [appellant] acted deliberately if he carefully weighed the consideration against his choice and knowing the consequences decided to kill. [Appellant] acted with premeditation if he decided to kill before completing the act that caused death. The length of time the person spends considering whether to kill does not alone determine whether the killing is deliberate and premeditated.
“The amount of time required for deliberation may vary from person to person and according to the circumstances. A decision to kill made rationally [sic], impulsively or without careful consideration and [sic] is not deliberate and premeditated.
The parties dispute whether the prosecutor’s analogy misstated the law or not. Appellant asserts the prosecutor’s argument was misleading and allowed the jury to find premeditation “even though there was no true weighing of the pros and cons.” He argues a driver instinctively and “unreflectively” acts based on the needs of safety and past experience. He contends that the trial court implicitly endorsed the prosecutor’s arguments, which he asserts “virtually eliminated” his “mental state” defense. He maintains the defense presented “substantial evidence” that he did not premeditate and deliberate, requiring reversal because he was prejudiced. We disagree. Misconduct did not occur and any presumed misconduct was not prejudicial.
1. The prosecutor did not misstate the law.
Here, the prosecutor said deliberation was “a balancing test. I know it’s bad, but can I get away with it?” Regarding premeditation, he described it as “basically thinking about it before you actually do the killing.” The prosecutor’s analogy regarding a driver attempted to show the time it might take for a person to weigh the consequences for and against a proposed course of action. We cannot say the prosecutor’s analogy misstated the law or created a fundamentally unfair trial. The prosecutor’s comments reflected the Supreme Court’s definition of premeditation and deliberation. The prosecutor’s comments did not attempt to absolve the prosecution of its prima facie obligation to overcome reasonable doubt on all elements. The prosecutor did not use deceptive or reprehensible methods to persuade the jury. Misconduct is not present.
2. Any presumed misconduct was not prejudicial.
Even if we presume misconduct occurred, the prosecutor’s brief analogy was not prejudicial. The court instructed the jury on the definitions of premeditation and deliberation. The jury was told to follow the court’s instructions if the attorneys’ comments on the law were in conflict. It is presumed that the jurors followed the court’s instructions. (People v. Letner and Tobin (2010) 50 Cal.4th 99, 152.) Given the state of this record, it is not reasonably probable appellant would have obtained a result more favorable in the absence of these comments. Accordingly, this claim fails.
VI. Sentencing Error Occurred Regarding The Companion Cases.
Both parties contend sentencing error occurred. Appellant asserts the two felony sentences imposed in the Companion Cases violated section 1170.1, subdivision (a), because the second determinate sentence was not reduced. Respondent disputes that contention but argues this case should be remanded because the trial court failed to impose the gang enhancements in counts 1 and 2. Appellant objects to respondent’s request.
In the present matter, appellant was sentenced to an indeterminate term of 25 years to life for Taylor’s premeditated murder (§ 187, subd. (a); count 1), and a consecutive term of life with the possibility of parole after 15 years for Alexander’s attempted murder (§§ 664/187, subd. (a); count 2). Both counts were separately enhanced by consecutive 25-year terms for the firearm (§ 12022.53, subd. (d)). For possession of a firearm, appellant was sentenced to three years (§ 29800, subd. (a)(1); count 3), which was increased by four years for the gang enhancement (§ 186.22, subd. (b)(1)). The sentence for count 3 was stayed pursuant to section 654. Total custody credits of 578 days were awarded.
In case number BF136825B, appellant was sentenced to prison for two years (former § 12021, subd. (a)(1)). He was awarded total custody credits of 1,434 days. The court said this “sentence will be deemed served.” When imposing sentence in the Companion Cases, the trial court did not indicate whether appellant was to serve concurrent or consecutive felony sentences.
As an initial matter, we reject respondent’s argument that remand is necessary to impose sentence on the gang enhancements in counts 1 and 2. As we analyzed in section III, the jury’s true findings are vacated regarding the gang enhancements in counts 1, 2 and 3.
In addition to his principal argument, which we discuss below, appellant contends his net sentence in the Companion Cases is four years in state prison. He further asserts he only had credit for 578 days in custody so his sentences in the Companion Cases cannot be deemed served. He argues nothing in the abstract of judgment memorializes that these sentences have been served. He maintains he will have to complete the two determinate sentences from the Companion Cases before he begins the aggregated indeterminate sentence. The record does not support these contentions.
The abstracts of judgment for the determinate and indeterminate sentences both correctly list total custody credits of 3,814 days for the three cases combined. This total reflects total custody credits of 3,236 days for the Companion Cases. Contrary to appellant’s argument, the net sentence for the Companion Cases is not four years, but three years four months, which is correctly reflected on the determinate abstract of judgment. Given appellant’s total custody credits, the determinate abstract of judgment reflects that the sentences for the Companion Cases have been served.
Here, appellant was sentenced on two felonies in the Companion Cases. The trial court, however, never stated, as required, whether these sentences were consecutive or concurrent. The determinate abstract of judgment is also silent regarding this issue, but it appears consecutive sentences were imposed. An imposition of consecutive sentences for the two felony convictions would have triggered section 1170.1, requiring imposition of one-third of the middle term for the subordinate offense.
Respondent contends section 1170.1, subdivision (a), applies only to sentences “that are yet to be served” and not to sentences which are complete. Respondent argues “there would be no point in recalculating a sentence pursuant to section 1170.1 subdivision (a) that had already been served.” We disagree with respondent’s position.
Here, reduction of appellant’s determinate sentence will impact when he can start his indeterminate sentence, which will impact his eligibility for parole. Accordingly, we reject respondent’s contention that resentencing has “no point” or that a remand is unnecessary.
We remand this matter for the trial court to declare as required whether the sentences in the Companion Cases were to be served concurrently or consecutively. If a consecutive sentence is imposed, the trial court shall resentence appellant pursuant to the requirements of section 1170.1. The court [shall then prepare an amended abstract of judgment for the determinate prison commitment.
In case number BF146307A, the enhancements are vacated in counts 1, 2 and 3 based on the jury’s finding that appellant violated Penal Code section 186.22, subdivision (b)(1). The sentences are vacated in case numbers BF127849A and BF136825B. The matter is remanded to the trial court for resentencing. At resentencing, the trial court shall articulate whether the felony sentences in BF127849A and BF136825B are concurrent or consecutive. If a consecutive sentence is imposed, the trial court shall declare the subordinate term and resentence in conformity with Penal Code section 1170.1. The trial court shall then forward an amended determinate abstract of judgment to the appropriate authorities. The judgment is otherwise affirmed.
1. All future statutory references are to the Penal Code unless otherwise noted.
2. Because substantial evidence supports the finding of premeditation and deliberation, we will not address appellant’s additional arguments that his convictions should be reduced to voluntary manslaughter and attempted voluntary manslaughter, respectively.
3. At sentencing, the trial court did not impose an enhancement pursuant to section 186.22, subdivision (b)(1), on the sentences in counts 1 and 2. The court orally imposed an enhancement of four years to appellant’s sentence in count 3 pursuant to section 186.22, subdivision (b)(1). The court stayed the sentence on count 3, including the enhancement, pursuant to section 654. The indeterminate abstract of judgment correctly shows that the sentence on count 3 was stayed, but it fails to show an enhancement imposed pursuant to section 186.22, subdivision (b)(1). In light of this opinion, no further action is required regarding the indeterminate abstract of judgment because it fails to show an imposed gang enhancement.

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