Title: P. v. Brady
Citation: 50 Cal. 4th 547
Docket Number: S078404
State: California
Issuer: California Supreme Court
Date: August 9, 2010

1 
Filed 8/9/10 
 
 
 
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 
 
THE PEOPLE, 
) 
 
 
) 
 
Plaintiff and Respondent, 
) 
 
 
) 
S078404 
 
v. 
) 
 
 
) 
ROGER HOAN BRADY, 
) 
 
 
) 
Los Angeles County 
 
Defendant and Appellant. 
) 
Super. Ct. No. YA020910 
 
____________________________________) 
 
A jury convicted defendant Roger Hoan Brady of the first degree murder of 
Officer Martin Ganz of the Manhattan Beach Police Department.  (Pen. Code, 
§§ 187, subd. (a), 189.)1  It found true special circumstance allegations that the 
murder was committed against a peace officer engaged in the performance of his 
duties (§ 190.2, subd. (a)(7)) and for the purpose of avoiding or preventing a 
lawful arrest (id., subd. (a)(5)); it also found true a special circumstance allegation 
that defendant had previously been convicted of murder (id., subd. (a)(2)).  The 
jury further found that defendant had personally used a firearm in the commission 
of the offense.  (§ 12022.5, subd. (a).)  The jury returned a verdict of death.  The 
trial court denied the automatic application to modify the verdict (§ 190.4, subd. 
(e)) and sentenced defendant to death. 
                                              
1  
All further statutory references are to the Penal Code unless otherwise 
indicated. 
2 
This appeal is automatic.  (§ 1239, subd. (b).)  We affirm the judgment. 
DISCUSSION 
I.  GUILT PHASE 
A.  Facts 
1.  Prosecution Evidence 
On the evening of December 27, 1993, Officer Martin Ganz of the 
Manhattan Beach Police Department was on patrol duty in a marked police 
vehicle.  He was wearing his patrol uniform, which was dark blue or black, and a 
badge.  Ganz‟s 12-year-old nephew, Don Ganz (Don),2 accompanied him on a 
department sanctioned “ride along.”  During the shift, Officer Ganz stopped 
numerous motorists for routine traffic violations; he also showed Don how to use 
the police radio. 
About 11:00 p.m., while stopped at a traffic signal, Officer Ganz noticed on 
the opposite side of the street a small grey or silver car being driven by defendant, 
who was on supervised release following a federal prison term and was subject to 
the condition that he not possess a firearm or other dangerous weapon.  The car 
was stopped past the limit line of the crosswalk, partially blocking the intersection.  
Officer Ganz activated the patrol vehicle‟s spotlight and shined it on defendant, 
and over the vehicle‟s public address system Officer Ganz instructed defendant to 
back his car up.  Defendant backed up a short distance, but his car was still over 
the limit line, so Officer Ganz repeated his instruction to move back.  Defendant 
again did so, but he still was not behind the limit line. 
                                              
2  
We occasionally refer to various related persons by their first names, not 
from disrespect, but to avoid confusion. 
3 
When the traffic light changed, defendant turned into a shopping mall 
parking lot.  Officer Ganz drove behind defendant‟s car and activated his patrol 
vehicle‟s overhead flashing red and blue lights.  Defendant stopped his car in front 
of a bank, and Officer Ganz stopped his patrol vehicle about three to four feet 
behind defendant.  He got out of the patrol vehicle, approached the driver‟s side 
window of defendant‟s car, and spoke with defendant for a few minutes.  Jennifer 
La Fond, who worked at one of the stores in the mall, was driving by as Officer 
Ganz walked toward defendant‟s car. 
Defendant leaned toward the passenger seat of his car, as if reaching for 
something in the glove compartment or on the passenger seat.  Don, La Fond, and 
several other people at the mall then heard a loud “pop.”  Officer Ganz leaned 
back, as if something had struck his upper body.  He quickly moved backward 
toward the patrol vehicle in a crouched position.  Defendant, armed with a firearm, 
got out of his car and followed approximately six to 12 feet behind Officer Ganz.  
When Officer Ganz was near the rear of his patrol vehicle, defendant shot him in 
the back.  Officer Ganz either fell or dived behind the patrol vehicle.  Defendant 
walked toward the back of the driver‟s side of the vehicle and, using both hands, 
fired again at a downward angle.  He then moved back along the driver‟s side of 
the patrol vehicle, lowered his body for a few moments, stood up, returned to his 
car, and drove away.  After Don heard defendant‟s car drive away, he used the 
police radio to call for help. 
Several bystanders, including Robert Doyle and Jamie Timmons, came to 
Officer Ganz‟s aid.  Timmons and another mall patron, David Thomas, also used 
the police radio to call for help. 
Officer Ganz was lying facedown behind the patrol vehicle, with his right 
arm pinned beneath his body.  He was making gurgling noises and was struggling 
4 
to breathe and move.  Timmons placed Officer Ganz‟s head in her lap to get him 
out of the puddle of blood that was choking him. 
Officer Timothy Zins of the Manhattan Beach Police Department, who was 
on patrol two blocks away, responded to broadcasts requesting help.  Within 
minutes, other officers arrived and secured the crime scene.  Paramedics arrived, 
placed Officer Ganz in an ambulance, and transported him to a hospital, where he 
later died from his wounds. 
About 1:00 a.m. on December 28, 1993, Detective Joseph Raffa of the Los 
Angeles County Sheriff‟s Department arrived at the crime scene.  He recovered 
three spent shell casings; two were near the front of the patrol vehicle, and the 
other was near the driver‟s side.  Detective Raffa contacted the bank located next 
to where Officer Ganz had stopped defendant and obtained a videotape from its 
security camera system.  He likewise obtained the videotape from another nearby 
bank‟s security camera system. 
After the shooting, numerous witnesses from the crime scene were 
transported to the police station and gave statements.  Detective Delores Perales of 
the Los Angeles County Sheriff‟s Department and two other officers conducted 
the interviews.  Don, La Fond, Doyle, Timmons, Thomas, David Brumley (a 
passerby), David Sattler (who was in a nearby parking lot), and other witnesses 
described defendant, his car, and the events of that night.  
Later that day, Solomon Riley, M.D., a deputy medical examiner for the 
Los Angeles County Department of Coroner, performed the autopsy.  Officer 
Ganz had suffered two gunshot entry wounds.  One bullet entered the right front 
side of Officer Ganz‟s upper chest, passed through the chest wall without entering 
the chest cavity, broke the bone in his right upper arm, and exited through the back 
of his right arm.  The other bullet entered the left side of Officer Ganz‟s face 
slightly below his eye, fractured his orbital bone, grazed the front of the left half of 
5 
his brain, crossed to the right side of his brain, grazed the middle portion of it, and 
lodged itself beneath his right ear.  In Dr. Riley‟s opinion, such a wound would 
have rendered Officer Ganz unconscious in a matter of seconds; he would not 
have been able to run a distance of even 20 feet.  In addition, Officer Ganz had a 
contusion on his back that was consistent with being shot in the back while 
wearing a bulletproof vest.  Officer Ganz also had numerous abrasions on his skin 
that were consistent with his having fallen down, including a cluster of them on 
the right side of his forehead and another cluster on the back of his left hand.  In 
Dr. Riley‟s opinion, Officer Ganz died from the gunshot wound to his head, but he 
could not determine which wound had been inflicted first. 
The videotapes from the banks‟ security cameras were delivered to an 
institute affiliated with the National Institute of Justice.  After analyzing the 
videotapes, the institute advised police investigators that defendant was driving a 
Daihatsu Charade.  It also noted that defendant‟s car had sustained damage to its 
front right side. 
The Los Angeles County Sheriff‟s Department established a “hotline” to 
receive information from the public.  A tip received on January 20, 1994, 
implicated defendant and led to a police search, to which defendant consented, of 
defendant‟s bedroom, the common areas of his parents‟ condominium, and his car.  
This search did not disclose anything of evidentiary value. 
In May of 1994, the investigating detectives showed Don and La Fond 
photographic lineups that included defendant‟s picture, but neither identified 
defendant as the shooter. 
By April 1994, defendant and his parents had moved to Vancouver, 
Washington, just over the Oregon state line. 
On August 4, 1994, Deputy John Landon of the Washington County, 
Oregon, Sheriff‟s Office executed a search warrant on defendant‟s new residence 
6 
in connection with crimes committed in Oregon.  Outside the residence was 
defendant‟s Daihatsu Charade, which had damage consistent with that on the car 
depicted in the banks‟ videotapes.  Inside the residence, Deputy Landon 
discovered a locked fireproof box.  Defendant‟s parents had never seen this box 
before and did not know how to open it. 
On August 9, Deputy Larry McKinney of the Washington County, Oregon, 
Sheriff‟s Office obtained a warrant to open the box, which contained a 
semiautomatic .380-caliber handgun, two ammunition magazines, a box of .380-
caliber ammunition, an envelope, two pairs of gloves, and a knit ski mask.  Deputy 
Dwight Van Horn of the Los Angeles County Sheriff‟s Department then 
performed ballistics tests on defendant‟s and Officer Ganz‟s firearms and 
recovered a bullet from the back of Officer Ganz‟s bulletproof vest.  Officer Van 
Horn determined the bullets recovered from Officer Ganz‟s body and bulletproof 
vest had been fired from defendant‟s firearm.  
On August 13, La Fond identified defendant in a lineup as the shooter.  Don 
had initially identified another person from the lineup, but identified defendant 
after speaking with one of the investigating detectives.  In November 1995, Don 
went to Oregon to testify in related proceedings there, saw defendant (who was in 
custody), and identified him as the person who had shot Officer Ganz. 
2.  Defense Evidence 
John Gruen, M.D., the director of neurotrauma at the Los Angeles County 
and University of Southern California LAC+USC Medical Center, has treated 
more than 100 patients with gunshot wounds to the head.  Dr. Gruen reviewed 
Officer Ganz‟s medical records and Dr. Riley‟s report.  In Dr. Gruen‟s opinion, 
Officer Ganz could have been shot in the face while standing next to defendant‟s 
7 
car and then moved to the rear of his patrol vehicle before losing consciousness 
without leaving a trail of blood. 
Detective Perales testified as to inconsistencies between the percipient 
witnesses‟ statements given immediately after the crime and their trial testimony.  
For example, contrary to his trial testimony, David Brumley originally told 
Detective Perales that he had heard four shots and did not mention seeing 
defendant get out of his car.  And contrary to his trial testimony, David Sattler 
originally told Detective Perales that he was not facing defendant when he heard 
two shots and that, when he turned around, the patrol vehicle‟s driver‟s side door 
was closed; Sattler also failed to tell Detective Perales that he saw defendant 
standing in a “military style position” over Officer Ganz and heard two more 
shots, and then saw defendant reach into the patrol vehicle, as if to use the radio.3 
3.  Multiple-murder Special-circumstance Allegation 
At the trial on the multiple-murder special-circumstance allegation, the 
prosecution presented evidence that defendant had been convicted of aggravated 
murder in Oregon on November 2, 1995.  (See p. 24, post.)  The trial court took 
judicial notice of the fact that aggravated murder in Oregon was equivalent to first 
degree murder in California. 
Defendant presented no evidence during this phase of the trial. 
                                              
3  
In rebuttal, the prosecution presented testimony from other proceedings 
wherein Brumley and Sattler had testified consistently with their testimony in 
defendant‟s trial. 
8 
B.  Discussion 
1.  Exclusion of Evidence of Third Party Culpability 
As noted, the Los Angeles County Sheriff‟s Department established a 
hotline to receive tips from the public concerning Officer Ganz‟s murder.  Of the 
more than 2,000 clues that law enforcement received from the public and other 
sources (which were then numbered and catalogued), defendant sought to 
introduce five at trial:  the one that implicated him (clue No. 1270); a confession 
(and subsequent recantation) made to a 911 operator on December 28, 1993 (clue 
No. 1796); the death of an Asian male who was killed shortly after Officer Ganz‟s 
murder when two Palos Verdes Estates police officers tried to apprehend him and 
were themselves killed in the attempt (clue No. 1506); reports that an associate of 
Jennifer La Fond “resembled” the person depicted in a composite drawing 
prepared by witnesses to the shooting (including La Fond) (clue No. 192); and an 
unsigned letter claiming responsibility for Officer Ganz‟s murder (no clue 
number).  Prior to the start of defendant‟s trial, the trial court admitted the clue 
implicating defendant and excluded the remaining four clues on relevance 
grounds.  During her guilt phase closing argument, the prosecutor noted there was 
no evidence suggesting that anyone other than defendant had committed Officer 
Ganz‟s murder.  Defendant now contends the trial court erred by excluding 
evidence possibly implicating other suspects.4 
                                              
4 
Defendant here and in a number of other claims urges that the error or 
misconduct he is asserting infringed various rights guaranteed by the federal and 
state Constitutions.  What we stated in People v. Boyer (2006) 38 Cal.4th 412, 
441, footnote 17, applies here:  “In most instances, insofar as defendant raised the 
issue at all in the trial court, he failed explicitly to make some or all of the 
constitutional arguments he now advances.  In each instance, unless otherwise 
indicated, it appears that either (1) the appellate claim is of a kind . . . that required 
no trial court action by the defendant to preserve it, or (2) the new arguments do 
not invoke facts or legal standards different from those the trial court itself was 
 
(footnote continued on next page) 
9 
Only relevant evidence is admissible.  (Evid. Code, § 350.)  Evidence that 
raises a reasonable doubt as to a defendant‟s guilt, including evidence tending to 
show that another person committed the crime, is relevant.  But evidence that 
another person had a motive or opportunity to commit the crime, without more, is 
irrelevant because it does not raise a reasonable doubt about a defendant‟s guilt; to 
be relevant, the evidence must link this third person to the actual commission of 
the crime.  (See People v. Avila (2006) 38 Cal.4th 491, 577-578.)  Evidence that is 
relevant still may be excluded if it creates a substantial danger of prejudicing, 
confusing, or misleading the jury, or would consume an undue amount of time.  
(See Evid. Code, § 352.) 
We review for an abuse of discretion a trial court‟s exclusion of evidence.  
(People v. Avila, supra, 38 Cal.4th at pp. 577-578.)  Applying this standard, we 
conclude the trial court did not abuse its discretion in excluding the four clues, as 
the proffered evidence suggested no link between the third parties and the actual 
perpetration of Officer Ganz‟s murder. 
As to clue No. 1796, the caller who confessed to a 911 operator later 
recanted, and defendant made no showing that this third party had any connection 
to the commission of the crime other than this unsubstantiated and later withdrawn 
confession. 
                                                                                                                                      
 
(footnote continued from previous page) 
asked to apply, but merely assert that the trial court‟s act or omission, insofar as 
wrong for the reasons actually presented to that court, had the additional legal 
consequence of violating the Constitution.  To that extent, defendant‟s new 
constitutional arguments are not forfeited on appeal.  [Citations.]  [¶] In the latter 
instance, of course, rejection, on the merits, of a claim that the trial court erred on 
the issue actually before that court necessarily leads to rejection of the newly 
applied constitutional „gloss‟ as well.  No separate constitutional discussion is 
required in such cases, and we therefore provide none.” 
10 
As to clue No. 1506, although several eyewitnesses to Officer Ganz‟s 
murder described the assailant as an Asian male and the clue referred to an Asian 
male who had killed two members of a nearby police department and was 
suspected of committing an armed robbery, no evidence implicated this person in 
Officer Ganz‟s murder.  Although the man‟s ethnicity and his possible 
involvement in an unrelated robbery and killing of other police officers initially 
might have suggested some involvement in Officer Ganz‟s murder, defendant 
presented no evidence actually linking this person to Officer Ganz‟s murder.  (See 
People v. Page (2008) 44 Cal.4th 1, 37 [rejecting the defendant‟s claim of third 
party culpability, stating, “The flaw in defendant‟s theory is that the proffered 
evidence has no tendency to establish any relevant fact.”].) 
As to clue No. 192, various individuals did tell the police that an associate 
of La Fond “resembled” the composite drawing, but none of the eyewitnesses 
(including, notably, La Fond) identified this third party as Officer Ganz‟s 
assailant, and La Fond stated that this third person was not involved with Officer 
Ganz‟s murder.  Moreover, the trial court said it would revisit this matter if, for 
example, La Fond testified about this third person, but she did not, and defendant 
presented no evidence at trial about her associate. 
Finally, the author of the unsigned letter that claimed responsibility for 
Officer Ganz‟s murder was never identified.  Third party culpability evidence that 
does not identify a possible suspect is properly excluded.  (See People v. Sandoval 
(1992) 4 Cal.4th 155, 176-177.) 
Even were we to assume the trial court erred by excluding the proffered 
evidence, prejudice is lacking under either the state or federal standard of review.  
(See Chapman v. California (1967) 386 U.S. 18, 24; People v. Watson (1956) 46 
Cal.2d 818, 836.)  The evidence of defendant‟s culpability was overwhelming:  
multiple eyewitnesses identified him as the shooter, ballistics tests indicated his 
11 
handgun was used to shoot Officer Ganz, and videotapes from the scene of the 
crime showed a car of the same make and model as defendant‟s.  In sum, 
defendant fails to establish entitlement to relief based on the trial court‟s exclusion 
of the evidence of the clues.5 
2.  Exclusion of Evidence of Possible Bias in Key Witness’s 
Testimony 
Defendant contends the trial court erred by excluding evidence indicating a 
possible bias on the part of Robert Doyle, a key prosecution witness.  On the night 
of the murder, Doyle was in a nearby parking lot at the shopping mall.  He 
observed what looked to be a “routine traffic stop.”  While talking to some other 
people, Doyle observed Officer Ganz get out of his patrol vehicle and walk toward 
defendant‟s car.  Doyle heard a gunshot and looked at the source of the noise, 
defendant‟s car.  He saw Officer Ganz running away and “being chased” by 
defendant.  Doyle then saw defendant twice shoot Officer Ganz; for the second 
shot, defendant pointed his firearm down as if Officer Ganz was on the ground or 
crouching down.  Doyle then observed defendant run back to his car.  He tried to 
catch defendant‟s car, but then ran over to Officer Ganz to help him.  Doyle saw 
Officer Ganz lying facedown with his arms trapped beneath his body.  He raised 
Officer Ganz off the ground to prevent him from choking. 
                                              
5  
To the extent defendant contends the proffered clues indicated a possible 
bias by the investigators (for failing to investigate possible other suspects), the 
clues were not relevant to proving a material fact regarding defendant’s 
culpability.  (See People v. Hamilton (2009) 45 Cal.4th 863, 913-914 [witness‟s 
belief that the police should have investigated another suspect does not establish 
that that suspect was a viable one].)  To the extent defendant contends the 
exclusion of this evidence violated his right to present a defense during the penalty 
phase, for the reasons stated, none of the proffered evidence created a lingering 
doubt by suggesting someone other than defendant was responsible for the murder.  
(See id. at pp. 911-916.) 
12 
In the year preceding defendant‟s trial, Doyle pleaded no contest to 
committing a battery (§ 243, subd. (e)(1) [battery against a current or former 
spouse, fiancé or fiancée, coparent, cohabitant, or partner]) and was placed on 
misdemeanor summary probation.  The trial court ruled Doyle‟s conviction did not 
reflect moral turpitude (and thus could not be a basis for impeachment) and 
precluded defendant from impeaching Doyle as to any possible bias he might have 
harbored due to his probationary status.  Defendant contends Doyle‟s trial 
testimony differed significantly from his original statements to the police and that 
the trial court should have allowed him to argue to the jury that Doyle sought to 
curry favor with the district attorney‟s office by shaping his testimony to match its 
theory of the case. 
Defendant‟s contention lacks merit.  Cross-examination may expose facts 
from which jurors can appropriately draw inferences about the reliability of a 
witness, including the possibility of bias.  The trial court, however, has wide 
latitude to restrict such cross-examination, and such testimony is properly barred 
unless the defendant can show the prohibited cross-examination would have 
produced a significantly different impression of the witness‟s credibility.  (People 
v. Smith (2007) 40 Cal.4th 483, 513.)  Defendant made no showing that Doyle 
actually had been offered leniency or threatened with retaliation by the 
prosecution.  In fact, the trial prosecutor was not even aware Doyle was on 
probation until his criminal record was checked during the course of defendant‟s 
trial.6  As such, defendant has failed to demonstrate that the prohibited cross-
examination would have left the jury with a significantly different impression of 
                                              
6  
The record also indicated Doyle pleaded no contest the day after he was 
arrested, which suggests his potential testimony in defendant‟s case was not a 
factor in the disposition of his own case. 
13 
Doyle‟s credibility.  (People v. Chatman (2006) 38 Cal.4th 344, 374.)  
Defendant‟s contention that the trial court violated his federal constitutional rights 
to present a defense and to confront witnesses similarly fails.  (People v. Hamilton, 
supra, 45 Cal.4th at p. 943.) 
Even were we to assume the trial court erred in limiting defendant‟s ability 
to cross-examine Doyle, defendant fails to demonstrate prejudice under either the 
Chapman or Watson standard.  (See Chapman v. California, supra, 386 U.S. at 
p. 24; People v. Watson, supra, 46 Cal.2d at p. 836.)  The jury was made aware of 
Doyle‟s purportedly inconsistent statements through defense counsel‟s extensive 
cross-examination of Doyle and through the testimony of Detective Perales.  
Moreover, the evidence of defendant‟s culpability was overwhelming, as Doyle 
was but one of many eyewitnesses to the shooting.7 
3.  Sufficiency of the Evidence to Support First Degree Murder 
Verdict 
Defendant contends there was insufficient evidence to support his 
conviction for first degree murder.  At his trial, defendant argued to the jury that 
he “randomly fired” at Officer Ganz, which conduct would be insufficient to 
support the finding of premeditation and deliberation that is required for first 
degree murder. 
The law is settled.  In reviewing a criminal conviction challenged as 
lacking evidentiary support, the court must review the whole record in the light 
                                              
7  
To the extent defendant contends the exclusion of this evidence violated his 
right to present mitigating evidence during the penalty phase, for the reasons 
stated, Doyle‟s probationary status was not mitigating evidence and did not create 
a lingering doubt, and the jury was aware of the inconsistencies in Doyle‟s various 
accounts of the murder.  (See People v. Hamilton, supra, 45 Cal.4th at pp. 911-
916.) 
14 
most favorable to the judgment below to determine whether it discloses substantial 
evidence—that is, evidence that is reasonable, credible, and of solid value—such 
that a reasonable trier of fact could find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable 
doubt.  An appellate court must accept logical inferences the jury might have 
drawn from the evidence, even if the court would have concluded otherwise.  
(People v. Hovarter (2008) 44 Cal.4th 983, 1014-1015.)  “ „The standard of 
review is the same when the prosecution relies mainly on circumstantial 
evidence.‟ ”  (People v. Burney (2009) 47 Cal.4th 203, 253.) 
A murder that is willful, deliberate, and premeditated is murder in the first 
degree.  (§ 189.)  “ „ “Deliberation” refers to careful weighing of considerations in 
forming a course of action; “premeditation” means thought over in advance. 
[Citations.]  “The process of premeditation . . . does not require any extended 
period of time.  „The true test is not the duration of time as much as it is the extent 
of the reflection.  Thoughts may follow each other with great rapidity and cold, 
calculated judgment may be arrived at quickly. . . .‟  [Citations.]” ‟ ”  (People v. 
Halvorsen (2007) 42 Cal.4th 379, 419.) 
“ „ “An intentional killing is premeditated and deliberate if it occurred as 
the result of preexisting thought and reflection rather than unconsidered or rash 
impulse.”  [Citation.]  A reviewing court normally considers three kinds of 
evidence to determine whether a finding of premeditation and deliberation is 
adequately supported—preexisting motive, planning activity, and manner of 
killing—but “[t]hese factors need not be present in any particular combination to 
find substantial evidence of premeditation and deliberation.” ‟ ”  (People v. 
Burney, supra, 47 Cal.4th at p. 235.)  These three factors, however, are merely a 
framework for appellate review; they need not be present in some special 
combination or afforded special weight, nor are they exhaustive.  (See, e.g., 
15 
People v. Prince (2007) 40 Cal.4th 1179, 1253; People v. Bolin (1998) 18 Cal.4th 
297, 331-332.) 
As we will explain, the totality of the evidence is sufficient to support the 
jury‟s verdict. 
a.  Preexisting motive 
When Officer Ganz detained him, defendant had a firearm in his car, which 
was not only a violation of the terms of his federal supervised release, but also a 
crime.  (See, e.g., § 12021, subd. (a)(1).)  Discovery of defendant‟s firearm, 
therefore, could have led to defendant‟s arrest and incarceration. 
Citing People v. Cummings (1993) 4 Cal.4th 1233, 1299-1300, defendant 
contends there was no evidence to lead either him or an objective observer to 
believe his arrest for illegally possessing the firearm was highly likely or 
imminent, as this otherwise routine traffic stop was not the type of police contact 
likely to result in an arrest.  Cummings is distinguishable, however, as it concerned 
the sufficiency of the evidence to support a special circumstance finding of murder 
committed for the purpose of preventing a lawful arrest.  (See § 190.2, subd. 
(a)(5).)  The issue in Cummings—the imminence of the arrest—simply is not 
relevant to whether the possibility of arrest supported an inference that defendant 
had premeditated and deliberated the killing of Officer Ganz.  The evidence at trial 
demonstrated that, at the time of his detention, defendant was committing an act 
that could have resulted in his returning to prison.  A rational trier of fact could 
have found defendant shot Officer Ganz to prevent him from discovering the 
firearm that would have led to defendant‟s incarceration.  (See, e.g., People v. 
Durham (1969) 70 Cal.2d 171, 189 [“ „ “[K]nowing that they were all guilty . . . , 
it is easy to understand why they might take life before they would suffer 
16 
themselves to be arrested, their crime found out, and the severe punishment meted 
out to them . . . .” ‟ ”].) 
Defendant contends he could not have harbored a preexisting motive to kill 
Officer Ganz because it would have been impossible for the officer to discover his 
firearm, as the circumstances of the traffic stop did not justify a search of his car.  
Drivers, however, often keep the documentation necessary to operate a motor 
vehicle in the vehicle‟s glove compartment; it is not unheard of for a police officer 
to spot contraband when a driver opens the glove compartment to retrieve those 
documents.  (E.g., Maryland v. Pringle (2003) 540 U.S. 366, 368; see also In re 
Arturo D. (2002) 27 Cal.4th 60, 89 (conc. & dis. opn. of Werdegar, J.).)  Vehicles 
are also sometimes searched pursuant to a condition of supervised release, 
probation or parole, in an inventory search following an arrest, or for the safety of 
the police officer.  (See, e.g., People v. Walker (1969) 273 Cal.App.2d 720, 724 
[“For his own protection the officer was justified in opening the glove 
compartment himself, rather than to risk the possibility that defendant would pull a 
weapon out of it.”].)  Regardless of whether any of those circumstances actually 
existed with respect to defendant‟s stop, a rational trier of fact could have found 
that defendant feared his firearm would be discovered and decided to use it before 
Officer Ganz became aware of its existence.8 
                                              
8  
Although defendant previously had made a statement reflecting his animus 
toward law enforcement, and such evidence would be further evidence of a 
motive, it was not introduced until the penalty phase. 
 
To the extent defendant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence 
supporting the special circumstance of committing murder to avoid a lawful arrest 
(§ 190.2, subd. (a)(5)), such a claim fails.  (See People v. Osband (1996) 
13 Cal.4th 622, 690-693 [test for the sufficiency of a special circumstance finding 
is the same as that for a criminal conviction].)  Defendant does not dispute that he 
was legally detained for committing a traffic infraction, and we conclude a rational 
trier of fact could have found that defendant was afraid the discovery of his 
 
(footnote continued on next page) 
17 
b.  Planning activity 
Defendant correctly notes there was no evidence of extensive planning or 
preparation, as only a few minutes passed between the time Officer Ganz first 
shined his patrol vehicle‟s spotlight on defendant‟s car and the shooting.  But as 
defendant concedes, under California law premeditation and deliberation can 
occur in a brief period of time.  (See, e.g., People v. Halvorsen, supra, 42 Cal.4th 
at p. 419.)  The lack of evidence of extensive planning does not negate a finding of 
premeditation.  (See People v. Millwee (1998) 18 Cal.4th 96, 134.) 
Although defendant‟s interaction with Officer Ganz was brief, it was more 
than momentary.  Officer Ganz twice instructed defendant to move his car out of 
the intersection, followed defendant into the mall parking lot, initiated a traffic 
stop, got out of his patrol vehicle, and then talked with defendant, all within the 
space of a few minutes.  A rational trier of fact could have concluded defendant, 
knowing he illegally possessed a firearm, rapidly and coldly formed the idea to kill 
Officer Ganz during the course of these events, and therefore acted after a period 
of reflection rather than on an unconsidered or rash impulse.  (See People v. Steele 
(2002) 27 Cal.4th 1230, 1249; see also People v. Millwee, supra, 18 Cal.4th at pp. 
134-135 [the defendant arrived at the victim‟s house unarmed but could have 
thought about the use of lethal force while traveling there and then retrieving a 
stored rifle, deactivating the safety and chambering a live round].) 
c.  Manner of killing 
At trial, defendant argued that he lacked the requisite mental state when he 
attacked Officer Ganz, asserting that Officer Ganz had been fatally wounded by 
                                                                                                                                      
 
(footnote continued from previous page) 
firearm (and hence his arrest) was imminent.  (See People v. Cummings, supra, 
4 Cal.4th at pp. 1299-1301.) 
18 
the first shot.  The totality of the evidence presented, however, indicates defendant 
wanted to make certain Officer Ganz died.  (See People v. Bolin, supra, 18 Cal.4th 
at pp. 332-333 [the killings took place within a few minutes of the victims‟ arrival 
and the evidence suggested rapid and purposeful planning in response to the 
potential consequences of his partner‟s carelessness].)  Here, defendant did not 
merely fire one shot from his car and then flee; rather, he got out of his car, shot 
Officer Ganz again in the back as the officer was retreating, and then stood over 
the officer‟s prone body and fired a third shot while holding his firearm with two 
hands.  (See People v. Koontz (2002) 27 Cal.4th 1041, 1080-1082 [intent to kill 
was shown by the defendant‟s shooting the victim in a vital area from only a few 
feet away and then preventing a witness from calling an ambulance]; People v. 
Mayfield (1997) 14 Cal.4th 668, 767-768 [gunshot fired at a victim‟s face was 
consistent with a preexisting intent to kill]; see also People v. Hawkins (1995) 10 
Cal.4th 920, 956-957 [shooting the victim in the back of the head in an 
“execution-style murder” was sufficient evidence of premeditation and 
deliberation despite minimal evidence of planning and motive].) 
Defense counsel at trial did highlight the weaknesses of the prosecution‟s 
theory of the case:  the witnesses not only contradicted each other on various 
points, but the testimony of several witnesses also contradicted statements they 
had originally given to the police; no shell casings were found near the rear of the 
police vehicle; defendant‟s medical expert testified it was possible for the fatal 
shot to the head to have been fired first; and Don and La Fond initially were 
unable to identify defendant as the shooter.  On review, however, we do not 
reevaluate the credibility of witnesses or resolve factual conflicts; rather, we 
presume the existence of every fact in support of the verdict that reasonably could 
be inferred from the evidence.  (See People v. Burney, supra, 47 Cal.4th at p. 253; 
19 
People v. Lindberg (2008) 45 Cal.4th 1, 27.)  Under that standard, the 
prosecution‟s evidence did support the verdict. 
Citing People v. Anderson (1968) 70 Cal.2d 15, defendant contends the fact 
he twice shot Officer Ganz in a nonfatal manner negates the possibility of 
premeditation and deliberation because the multiple shots and immediate pursuit 
of Officer Ganz demonstrate an “explosion” of violence or an eruption of “animal 
fury.”  (See, e.g., People v. Alcala (1984) 36 Cal.3d 604, 625-627.)  Not so.  The 
manner of the shooting—approaching a prone victim, stopping over him, and then 
aiming—“shows a calculated design to ensure death rather than an unconsidered 
explosion of violence.”  (People v. Horning (2004) 34 Cal.4th 871, 902-903.)  The 
mere possibility of a contrary finding as to defendant‟s mental state does not 
warrant a reversal of the guilt judgment.  (See People v. Burney, supra, 47 Cal.4th 
at p. 253.) 
Defendant claims the evidence of intent to kill in this case is no stronger 
than in People v. Ratliff (1986) 41 Cal.3d 675, 695-696, in which we reversed an 
attempted murder conviction.  “However, as we explained in People v. Arias 
(1996) 13 Cal.4th 92, in Ratliff, we simply held that the „evidence of intent to kill 
was not so conclusive as to render harmless an erroneous failure to instruct on that 
issue.‟ ”  (People v. Avila (2009) 46 Cal.4th 680, 702, fn. 7.)  Unlike Ratliff, the 
trial court here properly instructed the jury on the mental state required for first 
degree murder, and defendant does not contend otherwise. 
4.  Asserted Griffin Error 
Defendant contends the prosecutor improperly commented on his silence 
during her closing argument, when she said:  “Now, the next issue . . . is the issue 
of identity.  As you realize, the defense did not appear to refute the issue of 
identity.”  At a sidebar conference, defendant moved for a mistrial, which the trial 
20 
court denied.  The prosecutor continued:  “As I indicated, you heard all the 
evidence that‟s been presented in this case.  And other than the questioning of 
witnesses that were presented, there was not any evidence presented to suggest 
that anyone other than the defendant committed this crime.” 
“[T]he Fifth Amendment . . . forbids either comment by the prosecution on 
the accused‟s silence or instructions by the court that such silence is evidence of 
guilt.”  (Griffin v. California (1965) 380 U.S. 609, 615.)  The prosecutor‟s 
argument cannot refer to the absence of evidence that only the defendant‟s 
testimony could provide.  (See People v. Carter (2005) 36 Cal.4th 1215, 1266.)  
The rule, however, does not extend to comments on the state of the evidence or on 
the failure of the defense to introduce material evidence or to call logical 
witnesses.  (See People v. Lewis (2009) 46 Cal.4th 1255, 1304.) 
Defendant relies on People v. Northern (1967) 256 Cal.App.2d 28, in 
which the Court of Appeal ruled the prosecutor violated Griffin by arguing the 
evidence presented therein “ „has not been refuted by the Defendant.‟ ”  (Id. at 
p. 30, italics omitted.)  The Northern court noted it was difficult to interpret the 
prosecutor‟s argument “as anything except a direct reference to defendant‟s failure 
to take the witness stand” (id. at pp. 30-31), as the defendant had committed two 
hand-to-hand narcotics transactions with an undercover police officer.  Although 
defendant here contends his counsel “did everything possible to refute the 
identification short of calling [defendant] to the stand,” this simply is not true.  
Defense counsel did extensively cross-examine the prosecution‟s witnesses, but 
defendant presented no alibi witnesses, no witnesses identifying someone else as 
the shooter (or the owner of the murder weapon at the time of the shooting), and 
no expert witnesses refuting either the identification of his car on the banks‟ 
security videotapes or the ballistics match between his firearm and the recovered 
bullets.  If defendant had evidence relevant to the identity of Officer Ganz‟s 
21 
murderer, he could have presented it in numerous ways without testifying.  The 
prosecutor‟s comments, rather than being a direct (or even indirect) reference to 
defendant‟s silence, constituted reasonable comment on defendant‟s failure to 
introduce material evidence or logical witnesses.  (Cf. People v. Vargas (1973) 9 
Cal.3d 470, 475-477.) 
Even were we to assume the prosecutor improperly commented on 
defendant‟s silence, defendant suffered no prejudice.  The evidence of defendant‟s 
identity was overwhelming:  in addition to eyewitnesses identifying him as the 
shooter, his firearm was linked to the crime.  Any assumed error was harmless 
beyond a reasonable doubt.9  (See People v. Turner (2004) 34 Cal.4th 406, 420-
421 [prosecutor‟s closing argument about his inability to have a psychiatrist 
examine the defendant was not Griffin error; any assumed Griffin error was 
harmless beyond a reasonable doubt].) 
5.  Jury Instruction on Consciousness of Guilt 
Defendant contends the trial court erred in instructing the jury, at the 
request of the prosecution and over his objection, that it could consider his flight 
after Officer Ganz‟s shooting as evidence of his guilt.10 
Here, defendant claims, the instruction unfairly highlighted facts favorable 
to the prosecution and invited the jury to draw a favorable inference from this 
                                              
9  
In addition, the trial court instructed the jury not to draw an inference from 
defendant‟s decision not to testify, and we presume the jurors understood and 
applied the instruction.  (See, e.g., People v. Butler (2009) 46 Cal.4th 847, 873.)  
10  
The court instructed the jury in accordance with CALJIC No. 2.52, stating:  
“[T]he flight of a person immediately after the commission of a crime, or after he 
is accused of a crime, is not sufficient in itself to establish his guilt, but is a fact 
which, if proved, may be considered by you in light of all the other proved facts in 
deciding whether a defendant is guilty or not guilty.  The weight to which this 
circumstance is entitled is a matter for you to decide.” 
22 
evidence, which allowed the jury to infer from his departure from the crime scene 
that he harbored the requisite mental state at the time of the shooting.  As 
defendant concedes, we previously have rejected similar claims, and we do so 
again here.  (People v. Morgan (2007) 42 Cal.4th 593, 620-621; People v. Boyette 
(2002) 29 Cal.4th 381, 438-439; see People v. Nakahara (2003) 30 Cal.4th 705, 
713 [rejecting a similar challenge to a jury instruction regarding consideration of 
false statements as evidence of consciousness of guilt].) 
II.  PENALTY PHASE AND POSTTRIAL ISSUES 
A.  Facts 
1.  Prosecution Evidence 
Over the course of 12 days, more than 60 witnesses testified during the 
prosecutor‟s case in aggravation.  Many testified about the impact Officer Ganz‟s 
murder had on them; others were the victims of defendant‟s other offenses.  The 
prosecution also introduced a videotape of Officer Ganz celebrating Christmas 
with family members and a videotape depicting portions of his memorial and 
funeral services. 
a.  Prior criminal activity (§ 190.3, factors (b), (c)) 
On October 14, 1986, defendant took some juice from a market in Santa 
Monica without paying for it.  When confronted by Khosrow Hakimian, one of the 
owners, defendant pushed his arm aside to get away. 
From August to October of 1989, defendant robbed six banks in the Los 
Angeles area and attempted to commit two additional bank robberies.  With each 
robbery, defendant demanded money from a teller; he usually would then display, 
and sometimes brandish, a firearm that he carried tucked into his waistband. 
Defendant finally was apprehended on October 12, 1989, when Deputy 
Christopher Germann of the Los Angeles County Sheriff‟s Department heard a 
23 
police radio broadcast regarding one of the bank robberies that had occurred that 
day.  Deputy Germann spotted defendant‟s car, followed him, and then attempted 
to pull him over, but defendant sped away.  Defendant eventually drove up the 
long, dead-end driveway of his own residence (his parents‟ home) and fled on foot 
into the undeveloped hillside.  Deputies apprehended and subdued defendant, who 
had in his possession numerous bills with serial numbers that matched those on the 
bait money from the bank that had been robbed earlier that day.  A search of 
defendant‟s car revealed a BB gun on the floorboard of the driver‟s seat.  While 
receiving medical attention, defendant said something along the lines of “I should 
have shot it out with you guys.  I should have gone for it.”  When Deputy 
Germann pointed out that he had only a BB gun, defendant replied that next time it 
would not be just a BB gun. 
Defendant was charged in federal court with six counts of bank robbery and 
ultimately pleaded guilty to two counts of bank robbery.  Defendant told his 
probation officer that he committed the robberies because he was addicted to crack 
cocaine and also needed to pay his living expenses. 
On October 15, 1993, Phillip Brown, the security guard at defendant‟s 
parents‟ residence, issued him a parking ticket.  Defendant told Brown that if he 
had had his knife with him, he would have “juked” him.  Brown understood this to 
mean defendant would have stabbed him, but he did not take defendant seriously. 
From October to December of 1993, defendant robbed five supermarkets in 
a chain of grocery stores in the Los Angeles area.  Each robbery occurred in the 
early morning hours when employees were transferring cash from the registers to 
the manager‟s office.  While wearing an obviously fake wig, defendant 
approached the employees, brandished a firearm, and demanded money. 
From April to July of 1994, defendant robbed five supermarkets in a chain 
of grocery stores near the Washington-Oregon border.  Defendant usually wore a 
24 
long coat and a dark ski mask that covered all but his eyes and the center portion 
of his face.  Defendant demanded money from a checker and then would usually 
display, and sometimes brandish, a firearm that he carried tucked into his 
waistband. 
During this period, defendant also robbed a pharmacy.  Brandishing a 
firearm, defendant said, “This is a robbery,” and then demanded a number of 
specific drugs, and money.  During this robbery, defendant inadvertently dropped 
some ammunition, which was analyzed and determined to match the ammunition 
recovered from his parents‟ residence. 
The prosecution introduced evidence of a homicide in Oregon defendant 
committed after having robbed another grocery store.  On August 3, 1994, 
defendant robbed a supermarket wearing a long coat, gloves, and a black ski mask 
that covered most of his face.  Defendant demanded money from a checker, pulled 
a .380-caliber pistol from his pocket, and took money from the register while 
pointing the pistol at the checker.  Defendant then left the market and headed 
toward a side parking lot.  As defendant rounded the corner, Catalina Correa (who 
had been in the market just prior to the robbery) turned and faced him.  Defendant 
shot Correa three times, killing her.  Defendant then got into his car and drove off.  
Andrew Dickson, who was in his van, followed defendant‟s car; defendant 
stopped, got out of his car, and shot at Dickson but hit only the van.  Defendant 
was apprehended the next day.  The police then searched defendant‟s parents‟ 
residence and found, in addition to the previously mentioned locked box and its 
contents, two wigs, an assault rifle, and ammunition for that rifle.  Thomas 
Jenkins, a criminalist with the Oregon State Police, examined the bullets and 
casings from this shooting and determined Correa had been shot with defendant‟s 
.380-caliber pistol and Dickson had been shot at by defendant‟s assault rifle. 
25 
b.  Victim impact testimony  
i.  Officer Ganz (§ 190.3, factor (a)) 
Officer Ganz, who came from a large, impoverished family, had wanted to 
be a police officer since he was 12 years old.  After graduating from high school, 
he joined the Marines so he could become a military police officer.  While a 
Marine, he rescued a man from a burning truck and was honored for saving the 
man‟s life. 
In 1988, Officer Ganz was hired by the Manhattan Beach Police 
Department in a civilian position to promote seat belt awareness.  He became a 
sworn police officer in 1989 and was assigned to motorcycle duty.  He was a well-
respected, well-liked officer who regularly volunteered for assignments and had 
received numerous letters of commendation from members of the community. 
Officer Ganz was very close to his seven sisters (one of whom died at a 
very young age), and he often provided them with emotional and financial support.  
He played a significant role in helping raise the two children (including Don, his 
godson) of his sister Rachael Ganz-Williams, a single mother.  He worked on 
Christmas Eve (just a few days before he was shot) so other officers could be with 
their families, but once his shift was over, he went to a sister‟s house to celebrate 
Christmas morning with her and her children.  The jury viewed a portion of a 
videotape depicting that celebration.   
Officer Ganz was engaged to marry Pamela Magdaleno.  He had purchased 
a home and was in the process of remodeling it in anticipation of his married life.  
Magdaleno had asked Officer Ganz not to work the night he was murdered, but he 
refused her request, as it was the last opportunity he had to take Don on a ride 
along.  During his shift, Officer Ganz telephoned Magdaleno to tell her he loved 
her.  After learning about Officer Ganz‟s death, Magdaleno said it “felt like 
someone had stuck their hand into my chest and ripped my heart out.”  
26 
Officers Karl Nilsson and Neal O‟Gilvy of the Manhattan Beach Police 
Department, both close friends of Officer Ganz, were on duty that night and 
responded immediately to radio broadcasts of the shooting.  Officer O‟Gilvy 
attempted to contact Officer Ganz by radio to determine whether he was the 
officer who had been shot.  Both officers described, in detail, the injuries Officer 
Ganz had sustained and the efforts of the paramedics to save his life.  Officer 
Nilsson held Officer Ganz while waiting for the paramedics to arrive.  Officer 
Nilsson allowed Officer O‟Gilvy to ride in the ambulance with Officer Ganz, and 
O‟Gilvy stayed by his side while at the hospital.  Other officers arrived at the 
hospital and urged the staff to continue to work on Officer Ganz even after he had 
been declared dead.  Officer O‟Gilvy broke down emotionally.  He then made 
telephone calls letting people know Officer Ganz had fought to the very end.  
Officer O‟Gilvy stayed with Officer Ganz after he died, insisted his body not be 
transported to the coroner‟s office by itself, and arranged for another officer to 
accompany the body.  Dozens, if not hundreds, of officers from other law 
enforcement jurisdictions helped secure the crime scene and otherwise assisted 
and supported the Manhattan Beach Police Department. 
Several witnesses described Officer Ganz‟s funeral, and the jury viewed a 
videotape of portions of the church services and graveside ceremonies.  Officer 
Ganz‟s funeral was attended by over 4,000 people, many of whom were police 
officers in full dress uniform; the procession stretched for several miles.  Officer 
Ganz‟s mother was too distraught to attend either the memorial service or the 
funeral, and she died six months after he did. 
After Officer Ganz‟s death, the Manhattan Beach Police Department 
contacted a psychologist who specialized in trauma intervention.  Officer Nilsson 
lost sleep, drank too much, had a romantic relationship fail, and was demoted due 
to mood changes resulting from Officer Ganz‟s death.  Officer O‟Gilvy became 
27 
unproductive and often cried in his patrol vehicle.  Police Chief Ted Mertens 
believed that several officers still relived the events of Officer Ganz‟s shooting on 
an almost daily basis; it had made them more cautious. 
ii.  Other victims (§ 190.3, factor (b)) 
Approximately three dozen people who witnessed defendant‟s robberies 
testified about their experiences, and many of them described the impact his 
actions had on their lives.  For example, Ricardo Gutierrez feared retaliation when 
he identified defendant as the robber of his supermarket, and feared he could be 
robbed again.  Cindy Ettestad did not return for a long time to the supermarket that 
was robbed while she was there; she had nightmares and was unable to watch 
movies depicting people wearing ski masks.  Arden Schoenborn, the supermarket 
checker whom defendant robbed on the day he murdered Catalina Correa, quit his 
job after the robbery due to the stress of wondering whether someone else might 
point a loaded gun at him.  Kay Heinzman, a technician at the Oregon pharmacy, 
stated she had “lost a year” of her life, was unable to work following the robbery, 
and was so traumatized by testifying she nearly was unable to identify defendant 
as the robber. 
2.  Defense Evidence 
Defendant was born in Vietnam in 1965 to a Vietnamese mother and an 
American father.  Defendant‟s mother, Diep Brady (Diep), worked on a vegetable 
farm and later as a clerk to support her siblings, as her father had died when she 
was 12 years old.  Both of Diep‟s brothers joined the South Vietnamese Army, and 
they introduced Diep to Phillip Brady (Phillip), defendant‟s father, who was a 
Marine advising the South Vietnamese military. 
28 
Phillip and one of Diep‟s brothers fought together in a battle in which the 
brother was killed.  Phillip contacted Diep so she could retrieve her brother‟s 
belongings, and soon thereafter they started to date.   
Due to an illness, Phillip was sent to Japan and eventually to the United 
States.  During this time, defendant was born.  Phillip, now working for the CIA 
through an aid agency, returned to Vietnam when defendant was eight months old.  
Phillip, Diep, and defendant lived in a security compound in the countryside while 
the war was waged all around them; the compound was attacked several times.  
Defendant was the only child there.  By the time defendant was two and a half 
years old, he could point to and identify North Vietnamese soldiers. 
Defendant‟s family moved to another security compound near the 
Cambodian border, which was close to the worst part of the fighting.  Defendant 
was again the only child there; he frequently saw soldiers being killed.  When 
defendant was three and a half years old, he was evacuated in a helicopter.  While 
men operated machine guns on either side, defendant pointed out enemy soldiers 
to them. 
Around 1969, Phillip was offered a job with a news organization, so 
defendant and his parents moved to New York.  Diep was unhappy in New York, 
so they moved back to Vietnam.  While in Vietnam, Phillip suffered from 
flashbacks and extensively used drugs and alcohol.  Phillip filed a news report that 
the Vietnamese government did not like, so he was forced to leave the country and 
the family relocated to Hong Kong.  Phillip often was away on assignment in 
Cambodia or Afghanistan. 
After a few years, defendant‟s family moved to New Jersey, and later to 
Venice, California.  Phillip was not working and continued to use drugs and 
alcohol.  Diep, defendant, and his sister moved in with Diep‟s mother, who had 
relocated to the area from Vietnam.  Defendant‟s parents initiated divorce 
29 
proceedings but ultimately reconciled.  During this period, defendant stopped 
going to school and ran away, and Phillip showed little interest in him. 
Around 1977, defendant‟s family bought a home in a remote area of 
Topanga, California.  Phillip began to cultivate marijuana and instructed defendant 
to water the plants.  Phillip was arrested for growing marijuana. 
Due to the isolation of their house, defendant had no friends in the area and 
was shy and withdrawn.  He lived in a dark room underneath the house while the 
rest of family lived upstairs.  Defendant often was home alone and had to get to 
school by himself.  Phillip had very high expectations for defendant and favored 
his sister over him. 
During this time, Phillip‟s drug and alcohol use continued.  At the age of 12 
or 13, defendant began to use marijuana. 
Phillip was physically abusive with Diep and defendant.  On one occasion, 
Diep called out for defendant to help her, but defendant did not respond, knowing 
there was nothing he could do to stop Phillip. 
After graduating from high school, defendant wanted to join the military.  
Phillip opposed the idea and told defendant he was too weak to be in the military.  
Defendant instead attended a local community college. 
After defendant was convicted of the bank robberies, Phillip visited him in 
prison twice a month.  When he was released, defendant entered a drug 
rehabilitation program.  Defendant lived alone for a while after his release, but 
Phillip feigned illness to convince him that he was needed at home.  Phillip then 
made defendant drive to drug dealers for him.  Defendant‟s parents fought 
constantly, and he told Diep and his probation officer that he would rather be back 
in prison.  During this time, defendant once failed to appear for mandatory drug 
testing, blaming his absence on an argument he had had with Phillip.  While on 
supervised release, defendant never tested positive for drugs.   
30 
Diep, defendant‟s sister, and his cousin each testified about how much they 
cared for him. 
Neuropsychologist Lorie Humphrey, Ph.D., examined defendant and 
determined he had possible right-side brain damage.  Defendant had good 
language skills, but was poor at naming objects and at visually perceiving and 
processing information.  Defendant‟s neurocognitive problems may have affected 
his perception of society, his socialization, his ability to form relationships or 
show emotion, and his ability to hold a job.  In Dr. Humphrey‟s opinion, such 
individuals function optimally in highly structured environments. 
Dr. Humphrey administered the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality 
Inventory (MMPI) test to defendant, and on cross-examination she conceded the 
results indicated he had a high degree of anger and potential for explosive 
behavior and often blamed others for his problems.  Defendant‟s MMPI results 
matched those of the most difficult criminal offenders, who often have problems 
adjusting to prison life. 
B.  Discussion 
1.  Victim Impact Evidence 
a.  Evidence relating to Officer Ganz 
Over objection, four of Officer Ganz‟s sisters, his fiancée, the treating 
physician at the hospital, two fellow officers, and his police chief testified during 
the penalty phase; their testimony spanned several hours over two days.  They 
described Officer Ganz‟s childhood hardships, his lifelong desire to be a police 
officer, his achievements, his engagement and future plans, his death, his funeral 
service, and the aftereffects of his death.  The jury also viewed two videotapes and 
numerous photographs, and received other evidence memorializing Officer Ganz‟s 
achievements. 
31 
Prior to the start of the penalty phase, defendant filed a motion to limit the 
scope and amount of victim impact evidence; he also made several evidentiary 
objections during the penalty phase.  At various points, the trial court excluded 
from evidence photographs of Officer Ganz as a child, photographs of Don, an 
animated reenactment of the crime, and a poster captioned “In Memory” that 
displayed the funeral program and photographs of the crime scene, Officer Ganz‟s 
motorcycle helmet and gloves, the funeral, his gravestone, the Manhattan Beach 
police station, and the national police officers‟ memorial in Washington, D.C. 
Defendant contends the trial court erred by admitting the victim impact 
evidence, asserting much of the evidence regarding Officer Ganz was excessive, 
inflammatory, irrelevant, and unduly prejudicial.  He complains the proceedings 
effectively acted as an “extended memorial service” and “more closely resembled 
a wake” for the officer than a criminal trial.11 
Unless it invites a purely irrational response, evidence of the effect of a 
capital murder on the loved ones of the victim and the community is relevant and 
admissible under section 190.3, factor (a) as a circumstance of the crime.  (E.g., 
People v. Burney, supra, 47 Cal.4th at p. 258.)  The federal Constitution bars 
                                              
11  
Defendant‟s contentions notwithstanding, we continue to reject the 
previously rejected claims that (1) victim impact evidence deprives defendants of 
a state created liberty interest (e.g., People v. Boyette, supra, 29 Cal.4th at p. 445, 
fn. 12); (2) “circumstances of the crime,” as used in section 190.3, factor (a) is 
unconstitutionally vague, overbroad, subject to arbitrary decisionmaking, or fails 
to provide adequate notice (e.g., People v. Carrington (2009) 47 Cal.4th 145, 
197); and (3) victim impact evidence must be limited to the circumstances known 
to the defendant at the time of the commission of the crime (e.g., id. at pp. 196-
197).  Rather, “circumstances” in this context extends to that which “materially, 
morally, or logically” surrounds the crime.  (People v. Hamilton, supra, 45 Cal.4th 
at p. 926.) 
32 
victim impact evidence only if it is so unduly prejudicial as to render the trial 
fundamentally unfair.  (Ibid., citing Payne v. Tennessee (1991) 501 U.S. 808, 825.) 
i.  Courtroom testimony 
As noted, during the penalty phase Officers Karl Nilsson and Neal O‟Gilvy 
testified extensively about how they learned of the shooting, their initial reactions 
to learning that the downed officer was their friend Officer Ganz, the efforts to 
save his life both at the scene and at the hospital, their immediate reaction to his 
death, and the effect his death had on their lives.  Defendant characterizes their 
testimony as “emotional,” “not objective,” and of doubtful accuracy,12 and 
observes Officer O‟Gilvy, who was the prosecution‟s final witness, broke down on 
the stand, which meant the jury was left to contemplate this “dramatic” testimony 
until the trial resumed the next day. 
Defendant contends the testimony of these officers should have been 
excluded as inflammatory and cumulative to the guilt phase testimony.  In support, 
he cites People v. Love (1960) 53 Cal.2d 843, in which we reversed a death 
judgment.  In Love, the jury saw a photograph of the murder victim lying dead on 
a hospital table; the photograph showed the expression of her face in death.  The 
jury also heard a tape recording taken in the emergency room shortly before the 
victim‟s death in which she recounted the facts of how she was shot.  The victim‟s 
doctor testified that she was in extreme pain before she died.  As the jury already 
was aware of the facts of the shooting and the painfulness of her death, we 
                                              
12  
The trial court properly instructed the jury that the jury was the sole judge 
as to the believability of the witnesses and that discrepancies may occur in 
witnesses‟ testimony.  We presume the jury followed these instructions (see, e.g., 
People v. Butler, supra, 46 Cal.4th at p. 873), and it is not the role of an appellate 
court to assess a witness‟s credibility. 
33 
reasoned the sole purpose of the tape recording and photograph was for the jury to 
hear the victim‟s groans and failing voice and to see her expression as she died.  
(Id. at pp. 854-855.)  We held this evidence was unduly inflammatory, as it tended 
only to prove facts already known to the jury and was of limited probative value in 
determining the defendant‟s sentence.  (Id. at pp. 856-857.) 
Love predates the high court‟s ruling in Payne v. Tennessee, supra, 501 
U.S. 808, and the enactment of section 190.3, both of which expressly allow the 
jury to consider the circumstances of the crime—including its immediate injurious 
impact—as an aggravating factor.13  (E.g., People v. Harris (2005) 37 Cal.4th 
310, 351-352.)  Nonetheless, defendant contends Officer O‟Gilvy‟s “dramatic 
death bed story told by a distraught friend and fellow police officer” was more 
inflammatory than the photograph and tape recording in Love and therefore 
prejudicial.  We disagree.  Emotional testimony is not necessarily inflammatory.  
(See People v. Verdugo (Aug. 2, 2010, S083904) __ Cal.4th ___, ___ [pp. 43-44] 
[finding no error when the victim‟s mother cried while testifying]; People v. 
Jurado (2006) 38 Cal.4th 72, 132-134 [finding no error when testimony from 
multiple family members caused some jurors to cry].)  When exercising discretion 
in admitting emotionally laden evidence, however, courts must monitor the effect 
                                              
13  
In the intervening years, we have upheld the admission of photographs 
similar to those at issue in People v. Love, supra, 53 Cal.2d 843.  (E.g., People v. 
Salcido (2008) 44 Cal.4th 93, 146-148 [photographic evidence was admitted 
during the penalty phase to support the prosecutor‟s theory suggesting sexual 
misconduct with the victims, despite the jury‟s already having heard testimony on 
the subject].)  We also have upheld the admission of a 911 tape wherein a 16-year-
old girl reported that two men had just entered her house and shot both her and her 
mother in the back of the head.  The girl survived the attack but could be heard 
screaming hysterically when she discovered her mother‟s body.  (People v. 
Hawthorne  (2009) 46 Cal.4th 67, 101-103.)  
34 
of the evidence on the jury and audience members and make a careful record of 
their observations.  (See People v. Prince, supra, 40 Cal.4th at pp. 1289-1290.)  
The trial court here did so; it noted, for example, that audience members had 
reacted emotionally to some of the victim impact evidence. 
As the officers‟ testimony did not invite a purely irrational response or 
otherwise render defendant‟s trial fundamentally unfair (see People v. Burney, 
supra, 47 Cal.4th at p. 258), the trial court did not abuse its discretion in 
permitting the officers to testify.  To the extent defendant further contends that 
particular portions of the officers‟ courtroom testimony were overly emotional and 
thus prejudicially inflammatory, defendant did not object nor did he request the 
trial court to give the witnesses some time to compose themselves, consequently 
forfeiting the issue on appeal.  (See Evid. Code, § 353, subd. (a); see, e.g., People 
v. Robinson (2005) 37 Cal.4th 592, 652.) 
Defendant also relies on People v. Edwards (1991) 54 Cal.3d 787.  
Although in Edwards we cautioned against prosecutors employing inflammatory 
evidence and arguments, we ultimately ruled the evidence presented and the 
prosecutor‟s argument in that case were not unduly inflammatory.  (Id. at pp. 832-
836, 839-840.)  We reached a similar conclusion in People v. Haskett (1982) 30 
Cal.3d 841, 859, 863-864, another case upon which defendant relies. 
Defendant contends the officers‟ testimony was cumulative.  Their 
testimony in some respects did repeat information already known to the jury, such 
as the discovery of Officer Ganz at the crime scene, his condition, Jamie 
Timmons‟s holding his head in her lap to prevent him from choking on his own 
blood, and the medical response.  This repetition, however, comprised a 
comparatively small amount of the officers‟ total testimony and is not unusual 
when multiple witnesses testify about the same event.  Moreover, during the 
officers‟ testimony, trial counsel did not object to any specific portion as being 
35 
cumulative, and thus the issue is forfeited on appeal.  (E.g., People v. Robinson, 
supra, 37 Cal.4th at p. 652.) 
Defendant next contends the evidence about Officer Ganz‟s character 
provided by his family was excessive and inflammatory.  In support, he cites 
People v. Roldan (2005) 35 Cal.4th 646, 731-733, in which we upheld the 
admission of the victim impact evidence, but noted such evidence was limited to a 
single photograph of the victim with his children and one witness whose testimony 
was “relatively short and subdued” (id. at p. 732); the trial court in Roldan (unlike 
the trial court in this case) had excluded a videotape prepared by the victim‟s 
widow and evidence of awards the victim received for his community service and 
heroism.  Although the victim impact evidence presented in this case was more 
extensive than that presented in Roldan, the evidence here cannot be fairly 
characterized as inflammatory, as it did not divert the jury from the task at hand.  
(See Roldan, at p. 732.)  For example, although the jury heard some testimony 
about Officer Ganz‟s childhood, it was brief and provided context for the 
testimony regarding his lifelong desire to become a police officer. 
Defendant relies upon cases from other jurisdictions that have limited the 
scope and quantity of victim impact evidence.  (Conover v. State (Okla.Crim.App. 
1997) 933 P.2d 904, 918-923; Salazar v. State (Tex.Crim.App. 2002) 90 S.W.3d 
330, 335-339; see State v. Dennis (Ohio 1997) 683 N.E.2d 1096, 1107 [admission 
of a mother‟s statements eulogizing the accomplishments and character of the 
victim was harmless error]; Cargle v. State (Okla.Crim.App. 1995) 909 P.2d 806, 
824-830 [admission of the amount and type of victim impact evidence was 
harmless error].)  These cases are not binding on this court.  The jury here heard 
traditional victim impact evidence:  family members and friends extolled Officer 
Ganz‟s virtues and demonstrated they missed him.  Neither the type nor the 
amount of evidence warrants reversal.  (See People v. Huggins (2006) 38 Cal.4th 
36 
175, 236-238 [finding no error when multiple witnesses testified about the 
victim‟s character and the loss felt by family members and the community, 
including testimony about the erection of a statue of the victim]; People v. Jurado, 
supra, 38 Cal.4th at pp. 132-134 [finding no error when testimony from multiple 
family members caused some jurors to cry].) 
Defendant also contends two family members improperly testified about 
the effect of Officer Ganz‟s murder.  Don‟s mother, Rachael Ganz-Williams, 
testified Don opted not to testify during the penalty phase because he “just 
couldn‟t do it.”  The testimony about Don was appropriate to dispel any potential 
negative implication that might be drawn from the prosecutor‟s failure to call him 
as a witness.  (People v. Carrington, supra, 47 Cal.4th at p. 197.)  Defendant‟s 
inability to cross-examine Don about the impact of the murder did not render the 
testimony inadmissible.  (See, e.g., People v. Jurado, supra, 38 Cal.4th at pp. 132-
134 [family members testified about the effect of the crime on other family 
members who did not testify].)  Accordingly, the trial court properly instructed the 
jury that it could consider the impact of the murder on the victim‟s family as a 
circumstance of the offense.  (See id. at pp. 130-131; cf. People v. Panah (2005) 
35 Cal.4th 395, 495 [finding no error in the admission of victim impact evidence 
given that the trial court instructed the jury it could “ „consider only such harm as 
was directly caused by defendant‟s act‟ ” (italics added)].) 
In addition, over objection, another of Officer Ganz‟s sisters testified that 
their mother “gave up on life” and died six months after his murder.  Although this 
testimony explained their mother‟s absence, it also constituted improper 
speculation as to the possible effect of Officer Ganz‟s death on their mother‟s 
health.  (See People v. Carrington, supra, 47 Cal.4th at p. 197.)  Defendant, 
however, fails to demonstrate prejudice because there is no reasonable likelihood 
37 
this error affected the penalty phase verdict.  (See, e.g., People v. Lewis (2008) 43 
Cal.4th 415, 500.) 
Defendant further contends the trial court improperly admitted evidence 
regarding the effect of Officer Ganz‟s murder on his professional community, that 
is, the Manhattan Beach Police Department.  Victim impact evidence, however, is 
not limited to family members, but may include the effects on the victim‟s friends, 
coworkers, and the community—including when the victim‟s coworkers are law 
enforcement personnel.  (People v. Ervine (2009) 47 Cal.4th 745, 792-794; see 
also id. at pp. 793-794, fn. 17 [noting the defendant‟s reliance on Lambert v. State 
(Ind. 1996) 675 N.E.2d 1060 was “misplaced” because, unlike California law, 
Indiana law at the time of the trial in that case did not include the circumstances of 
the crime as an aggravating factor]; e.g., People v. Taylor (2010) 48 Cal.4th 574, 
644-647 [allowing evidence of the loss felt by the staff and children at an 
afterschool program at which the victim volunteered].) 
Defendant finally contends victim impact evidence must be limited to 
understandable human reactions (see People v. Brown (2004) 33 Cal.4th 382, 
398), whereas the reactions of Officer Nilsson, Officer O‟Gilvy, and Pamela 
Magdaleno to Officer Ganz‟s death reflected “severe maladjustment and 
psychopathological states” “demonstrating varying degrees of mental illness.”  
Officer Ganz was Magdaleno‟s fiancé and Officers Nilsson‟s and O‟Gilvy‟s friend 
and fellow officer who was murdered while on duty; the severity of their grief—
and how that grief manifested itself—was well within the spectrum of human 
responses.  (See People v. Ervine, supra, 47 Cal.4th at pp. 792-793.) 
ii.  Video evidence 
Trial courts must be cautious about admitting victim impact evidence by 
way of videotape or other visual or auditory aids.  (E.g., People v. Bramit (2009) 
38 
46 Cal.4th 1221, 1240.)  In particular, trial courts must be cautious about 
admitting “ „lengthy‟ videotapes.”  (Ibid.)  Here, the trial court admitted two 
videotapes that, together, were approximately 10 minutes long.  Although length 
alone is not dispositive, we have upheld the admission of longer videotapes.  (Ibid. 
[citing cases].)  The trial court properly informed its exercise of discretion by 
viewing the videotapes before allowing the jury to view them, and we have done 
likewise.  We discuss each videotape. 
(a)  Christmas 
The jury viewed a four-minute, edited videotape depicting Officer Ganz 
celebrating Christmas, two days before his murder, with his family.  It consisted 
primarily of Officer Ganz handing out presents to one of his sisters and some of 
his young nieces and nephews, who excitedly opened the gifts.  At one point, 
Officer Ganz and his sister hug. 
This videotape depicted a rather ordinary event—a family holiday 
celebration.  It is a brief “home movie” that depicted real events; it was not 
enhanced by narration, background music, or visual techniques designed to 
generate emotion; and it did not convey outrage or call for vengeance or 
sympathy.  Like the videotape of the family trip to an amusement park we ruled 
admissible in People v. Dykes (2009) 46 Cal.4th 731, 783-785, it humanized 
Officer Ganz and provided some sense of the loss suffered by his family, and it 
supplemented but did not duplicate their testimony.  (Accord, State v. Gray (Mo. 
1994) 887 S.W.2d 369, 389.)  As such, the trial court did not abuse its discretion 
in admitting it. 
39 
(b)  Memorial and funeral services 
The jury also viewed a six-minute, edited videotape highlighting Officer 
Ganz‟s memorial and funeral services.14  The videotape began with Officer 
Ganz‟s casket draped in an American flag and with his officer‟s peaked cap on top 
of it; the casket was near a church chancel and numerous uniformed officers filed 
in and sat down.  The officers then were seen leaving the church, and the casket 
was escorted out of the church and into a hearse.  Next was an overhead shot of 
the funeral procession, which included numerous police motorcycles.  The 
procession arrived at the gravesite, and Officer Ganz‟s mother refused to get out of 
her vehicle.  Officer Ganz‟s police motorcycle, towed in a trailer, then arrived.  
There were several shots of various people crying, including a Marine in full dress 
uniform, who was Officer Ganz‟s best friend.  A bagpiper led the procession to the 
gravesite, and numerous officers saluted the casket as it passed.  An honor guard 
folded the American flag and presented it to one of Officer Ganz‟s sisters, who in 
turn gave it to their mother.  Three members of an honor guard then were seen 
performing a three-volley rifle salute.  Don was crying as he was presented with 
Officer Ganz‟s cap, and he was seen being comforted by his family.  The 
videotape concluded with several officers passing by the casket; one left flowers 
                                              
14  
Defendant also contends the witnesses‟ testimony about Officer Ganz‟s 
funeral was prejudicial and irrelevant.  For example, one of Officer Ganz‟s sisters 
and his fiancée briefly discussed their role in arranging his funeral.  Evidence of 
the emotional and financial cost involved in planning and attending a funeral is 
relevant and admissible as circumstances of the crime.  (People v. Harris, supra, 
37 Cal.4th at pp. 328, 351-352; see People v. Dykes, supra, 46 Cal.4th at p. 780 
[“moving” description of ordering the victim‟s casket].)  Moreover, defendant 
never objected to witnesses testifying about Officer Ganz‟s funeral and thus has 
forfeited this claim on appeal.  (E.g., People v. Robinson, supra, 37 Cal.4th at 
p. 652.)  In addition, videotape and photographic evidence may assist the jury in 
understanding and evaluating witnesses‟ testimony and thus is not necessarily 
cumulative.  (People v. Pollock (2004) 32 Cal.4th 1153, 1171.) 
40 
on top of it.  Other than the rifle salute and two clips of the bagpipes playing, the 
only audio on the videotape consisted of brief periods of church bells tolling and a 
woman singing.  The prosecutor indicated a television station had shot the footage, 
but it was not professionally edited. 
Defendant cites other jurisdictions‟ prohibition of gravesite evidence.  
(State v. Storey (Mo. 2001) 40 S.W.3d 898, 909 [admission of a photograph of the 
victim‟s tombstone was harmless error]; Welch v. State (Okla.Crim.App. 2000) 
2 P.3d 356, 373 [admission of testimony about placing flowers on the victim‟s 
grave was harmless error].)  In contrast, we have not prohibited such evidence.  
(People v. Harris, supra, 37 Cal.4th at pp. 351-352 [photographs of the victim‟s 
gravesite were relevant to the effect the murder had on her family; testimony about 
the effect of the accidental opening of the victim‟s closed casket during the funeral 
service was harmless error]; see People v. Zamudio (2008) 43 Cal.4th 327, 367-
368 [rejecting a challenge to the grave marker photographs included in a 
videotaped montage]; People v. Kelly (2007) 42 Cal.4th 763, 797 [videotape ended 
with a brief view of the victim‟s grave marker]; People v. Jurado, supra, 38 
Cal.4th at pp. 133-134 [finding no error in the admission of testimony concerning 
relatives‟ visits to the victim‟s gravesite].) 
Defendant also cites Salazar v. State, supra, 90 S.W.3d 330, and U.S. v. 
Sampson (D.Mass. 2004) 335 F.Supp.2d 166 in challenging the use of videotape 
evidence.  We have acknowledged the constitutional issues implicated by these 
cases.  (People v. Kelly, supra, 42 Cal.4th at pp. 796-799; People v. Prince, supra, 
40 Cal.4th at pp. 1286-1291; People v. Robinson, supra, 37 Cal.4th at p. 652.)  But 
in contrast to the videotapes in Salazar and Sampson, the videotape here was 
shorter in length, did not include images of Officer Ganz as a child, was not a 
eulogy (as all actual eulogies from the ceremony were edited out), was not 
enhanced by narration or visual imagery, and was not accompanied by an 
41 
extensive audio track playing sentimental music.  Although the videotape was 
prepared for the penalty phase, it depicted actual events and was not of 
professional quality. 
To be sure, the videotape did emphasize Officer Ganz‟s death (cf. People v. 
Kelly, supra, 42 Cal.4th at pp. 796-797), and some of the images on the videotape 
were evocative:  The flag ceremony, the rifle salute, and the bagpipes were not 
particularly relevant to the effect of Officer Ganz‟s murder on his family and 
friends, and tended to produce an emotional response from the viewer.  Emotional 
evidence of how a community mourns the loss of a beloved citizen, however, does 
not necessarily violate the federal or the state Constitutions.  (See People v. Dykes, 
supra, 46 Cal.4th at p. 780 [victim‟s school conducted a memorial service]; 
People v. Huggins, supra, 38 Cal.4th at pp. 237-239 [statue of the victim erected 
by the community].)  Moreover, victim impact evidence need not be limited to 
testimony that merely implies loss, grief, and anguish; it may also demonstrate it.  
(People v. Mills (2010) 48 Cal.4th 158, 211-212 [upholding the admission of a 
videotape capturing the victim‟s boyfriend‟s reaction to news of her death]; see 
People v. Davis (2009) 46 Cal.4th 539, 618-619 [upholding the admission of a 
photograph of the victim‟s “visibly upset” mother taken on the night of the 
crime].)  In sum, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in admitting this 
videotape. 
b.  Evidence unrelated to the capital offense 
As noted, during the penalty phase, the prosecutor presented dozens of 
witnesses, many of whom were victims of defendant‟s prior criminal activity.  
During the course of their testimony, many of them described the lasting effect of 
their experiences.  Defendant contends the trial court erred by failing to exclude 
this evidence as irrelevant and unduly prejudicial. 
42 
Prior to defendant‟s trial, the trial court granted defendant‟s motion in 
limine to exclude victim impact evidence concerning Catalina Correa‟s murder.  
After the prosecutor‟s penalty phase opening statement, defendant raised a number 
of concerns regarding the evidence the prosecutor intended to introduce. 
The parties disagree as to whether defendant adequately objected to the 
introduction of evidence concerning the impact on victims other than Correa and 
Officer Ganz;15 if defendant failed to object, this claim is forfeited on appeal.  
(Evid. Code, § 353, subd. (a); see, e.g., People v. Kelly, supra, 42 Cal.4th at 
p. 793.)  Regardless of whether defendant‟s motion in limine or post-opening-
statement objections encompassed the introduction of victim impact evidence 
related to his other crimes, and thus preserved the issue for appeal, such evidence 
was properly admitted.16  The circumstances of uncharged violent criminal 
conduct, including its impact on the victims of that conduct, are admissible under 
section 190.3, factor (b).  (People v. Bramit, supra, 46 Cal.4th at p. 1241.) 
Citing Payne v. Tennessee, supra, 501 U.S. at page 830, footnote 2, 
defendant contends these victims did not simply testify about the impact of his 
crimes but improperly gave characterizations and opinions about him and his 
crimes.  Not so.  For example, although various victims described defendant as 
having “cold dead eyes, almost like a shark‟s,” or as being “cold, empty” (that 
witness also testified, “when I looked into his eyes I saw death”), or as having an 
                                              
15  
For example, defendant did object on relevance grounds to one of the bank 
tellers testifying about the effect his robbing her bank had had on her, but he did 
not object to similar testimony from other witnesses. 
16  
The parties similarly disagree as to whether the prosecutor violated the trial 
court‟s order not to introduce this victim impact evidence, but defendant never 
raised an objection at trial on this basis.  Regardless, such evidence was 
admissible. 
43 
“evil look,” these are not after-the-fact opinions about defendant or his crimes, but 
rather percipient witnesses‟ descriptions (albeit colorful) of his demeanor during 
the commission of the crimes.  As fear may be an element of the crime of robbery 
(§ 211), testimony about how defendant caused the victims to fear him was 
relevant and not improper victim impact evidence. 
Defendant contends this victim impact evidence should have been excluded 
under Evidence Code section 352 as misleading, cumulative, or unduly 
inflammatory.  Defendant has not demonstrated how any of the victim impact 
evidence was misleading.  Moreover, the testimony regarding the residual fear or 
anxiety suffered by the robbery victims was brief and not unduly inflammatory or 
prejudicial.17  To the extent defendant contends the prosecution‟s witnesses were 
cumulative to each other, he generally has forfeited this claim by failing to raise it 
in the trial court.18  Moreover, although numerous witnesses testified, defendant 
committed numerous robberies, and the jury was entitled to hear about his 
extensive criminal history and the impact it had on his victims. 
Citing People v. Box (2000) 23 Cal.4th 1153, 1201, defendant contends the 
victim impact evidence unfairly persuaded the jurors to find that he had committed 
these crimes.  The trial court properly instructed the jury with CALJIC No. 8.87, 
which provided, “Before a juror may consider any criminal activity as an 
                                              
17  
Similarly, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in overruling 
defendant‟s objections to the prosecutor‟s use of two large-scale maps (of the Los 
Angeles area and the Washington-Oregon border) that were annotated with the 
locations, dates, and victims of defendant‟s crimes. 
18  
With respect to one of the grocery store robberies, defendant did object to 
one witness‟s testimony as cumulative, as this witness was the third person to 
testify about that particular robbery.  The trial court overruled the objection, 
finding this witness had observed acts that the other witnesses had not, thus 
making the testimony not cumulative.  We see no abuse of discretion in the ruling. 
44 
aggravating circumstance in this case, a juror must first be satisfied beyond a 
reasonable doubt that the defendant did in fact commit the activity.”  We presume 
the jury understood and followed this instruction.  (See, e.g., People v. Butler, 
supra, 46 Cal.4th at p. 873.)  In any event, the uncontested evidence at trial 
demonstrated defendant committed these prior crimes.  For example, defendant 
contends the evidence implicating him in the pharmacy robbery was particularly 
weak, yet he was identified as the assailant and law enforcement personnel found, 
at his parents‟ residence, a ski mask and ammunition that matched those used in 
the pharmacy robbery. 
c.  Cumulative effect 
We have found no prejudicial error in the victim impact evidence the trial 
court admitted in this case.  Nonetheless, defendant contends the sheer quantity 
and variety of victim impact evidence admitted had a cumulative effect on the 
verdict.  Trial courts, of course, must exercise their discretion to exclude under 
Evidence Code section 352 evidence that is unduly cumulative.  The record shows 
the trial court did exercise its discretion in determining what victim impact 
evidence was to be admitted with respect both to its emotional impact and its 
repetitiveness.  Moreover, this is not a case where the victim impact evidence was 
significantly disproportionate to the mitigating evidence.  The defense presented 
extensive mitigating evidence of defendant‟s family background; his harsh 
childhood, including his father‟s physical abuse of his mother and of defendant; 
and his possible mental impairments.  There was no cumulative error with respect 
to the evidence that was admitted.   
2.  Prosecutor’s Closing Argument 
Defendant contends the prosecutor committed misconduct during her 
closing argument by appealing to passion and prejudice, commenting on his 
45 
silence, arguing facts not in evidence, arguing based on speculation, appealing to 
vengeance, and appealing to religious beliefs. 
Defendant failed to object at trial to many of the claimed instances of 
misconduct that he raises here, and accordingly he has forfeited any appellate 
contentions regarding those claims.  (See, e.g., People v. Friend (2009) 47 Cal.4th 
1, 29; People v. Hill (1998) 17 Cal.4th 800, 820.)  In any event, defendant‟s 
contentions lack merit. 
A prosecutor‟s conduct violates the federal Constitution when it infects the 
trial with unfairness, and violates state law if it involves the use of deceptive or 
reprehensible methods of persuasion.  (See, e.g., People v. Friend, supra, 47 
Cal.4th at p. 29, citing Darden v. Wainwright (1986) 477 U.S. 168, 181.)  When 
the claim focuses on the prosecutor‟s comments to the jury, we determine whether 
there was a reasonable likelihood the jury construed or applied the remarks in an 
objectionable fashion.  (See, e.g., Friend, at p. 29.)  Under that standard, we reject 
each of defendant‟s claims. 
a.  Appealing to passion and prejudice 
Defendant contends the prosecutor sought to arouse the jurors‟ fear of 
crime by comparing crime to a deadly virus, and also sought to appeal to their 
gratitude to law enforcement for being the “protectors” of society.  The prosecutor, 
while gesturing toward police officers in the courtroom, quoted at some length 
from a speech given at the dedication of a monument honoring officers killed in 
the line of duty that praised the “valiant” men and women who protect the 
citizenry from the “marauders and the enemies.”  A prosecutor‟s argument, 
however, may draw upon common experience and knowledge, and reminding the 
jurors that society depends on law enforcement to ensure security and peace in the 
community is proper commentary about the role of law enforcement.  (See, e.g., 
46 
People v. Ervine, supra, 47 Cal.4th at p. 808; People v. Brown, supra, 33 Cal.4th 
at pp. 399-400; People v. Mayfield, supra, 14 Cal.4th at pp. 803-804.)  Moreover, 
contrary to defendant‟s assertion, the prosecutor did not attempt to appeal to the 
jurors‟ sense of loyalty or patriotism, but rather rightly noted that the murder of a 
peace officer engaged in performing official duties is a particularly aggravated 
form of murder. 
Defendant also contends the prosecutor conflated the victim impact 
evidence with an appeal to jurors‟ solidarity with law enforcement, by discussing 
Officer Ganz‟s service as a police officer.  Evidence of Officer‟s Ganz‟s service 
was properly before the jury, and the prosecutor‟s remarks were reasonable 
comment on that evidence. 
Defendant further contends the prosecutor‟s argument left jurors with the 
impression they were “duty bound” by their oaths to vote for a death sentence.19  
The prosecutor argued to the jury:  “This is a case where society cries out for the 
death penalty.  As jurors, you are . . . the conscience of society.”  But the 
prosecutor‟s argument was nothing more than reasonable commentary on the 
evidence presented and a call to vote for death based on that evidence; she did not 
mislead the jury about its role.  (See, e.g., People v. Young (2005) 34 Cal.4th 
1149, 1222 [rejecting a challenge where the prosecutor “urged the jury to impose 
the death penalty because it would be „good for society‟ and „teach‟ society a 
moral lesson”]; People v. Marlow (2004) 34 Cal.4th 131, 152 [prosecutor‟s 
argument that the defendant‟s conduct had “ „crossed the line‟ „where we as a 
                                              
19  
To underscore this theme, throughout the prosecutor‟s argument she 
displayed a sign with a quotation attributed to Edmund Burke:  “ABOUT THE 
ONLY THING NECESSARY FOR EVIL TO TRIUMPH IS FOR GOOD MEN 
TO DO NOTHING.”  (Bartlett, Familiar Quotations (15th ed. 1980) p. 374.) 
47 
society say enough‟ ” was proper argument based on reasonable inferences from 
the method of killing]; People v. Hardy (1992) 2 Cal.4th 86, 211 [prosecutor‟s 
argument that the jury “was „obligated as members of this society . . .‟ to return a 
death verdict if it found the aggravating evidence outweighed the mitigating 
evidence,” in conjunction with the jury instructions, did not mislead the jury about 
the scope of its sentencing discretion].)  Moreover, to refer to the jury as the 
conscience of society is not improper.  (See People v. Ledesma (2006) 39 Cal.4th 
641, 741.) 
Finally, defendant contends the prosecutor‟s use of the “Bengal tiger” 
metaphor (see People v. Duncan (1991) 53 Cal.3d 955, 976) was a thinly veiled 
racist allusion to his Vietnamese heritage.  As we noted in Duncan, likening a 
murderer to a wild animal does not necessarily invoke racial overtones.  (Id. at 
p. 977; cf. Howarth, Representing Black Male Innocence (1997) 1 J. Gender Race 
& Just. 97, 136-138.)  On the record before us, it appears the prosecutor‟s 
argument was intended merely to note that defendant‟s docile behavior in the 
courtroom was not irreconcilable with his violent conduct in less controlled 
circumstances.  (See, e.g., People v. Valencia (2008) 43 Cal.4th 268, 307.) 
b.  Commenting on his silence 
Defendant contends the prosecutor commented on his silence, in violation 
of Griffin v. California, supra, 380 U.S. 609, when she argued, “[W]e have heard 
no evidence at all of any remorse from [defendant] . . . .”  The prosecutor, 
however, noted the lack of evidence and did not refer to defendant‟s silence; a 
prosecutor is entitled during closing argument to highlight a defendant‟s lack of 
remorse, and doing so does not necessarily violate Griffin.  (See, e.g., People v. 
Hughes (2002) 27 Cal.4th 287, 393-394.)  If defendant had appeared sorry in front 
of another person, performed an act of contrition, apologized to any of his victims, 
48 
or otherwise demonstrated any remorse, a witness other than he could have 
testified about such acts or statements, but none did. 
c.  Arguing facts not in evidence 
In an attempt to undermine defendant‟s claim that his father Phillip was an 
uncaring parent, the prosecutor noted Phillip took out a second mortgage on the 
family home in order to travel to see defendant while he was in federal custody.  
Defendant‟s contrary contention notwithstanding, his mother Diep testified Phillip 
did just that.  As such, the prosecutor‟s argument was an accurate comment on the 
evidence presented. 
d.  Arguing based on speculation 
Defendant contends the prosecutor improperly speculated that defendant 
would pose an ongoing threat to prison personnel if he were not sentenced to 
death.  As defendant concedes, a prosecutor properly may argue the potential risk 
of a capital defendant‟s future violence when the argument is based on evidence of 
past crimes.  (See, e.g., People v. Zambrano (2007) 41 Cal.4th 1082, 1179.)  The 
prosecutor‟s argument concerning defendant‟s dangerousness in prison was proper 
rebuttal of an expert witness‟s testimony about defendant‟s ability to function in a 
highly structured environment.  (See People v. Davis (1995) 10 Cal.4th 463, 540.)  
Given defendant‟s murder of Catalina Correa, the numerous armed robberies, and 
his expert‟s concession that his MMPI results were similar to those of persons who 
have problems adjusting to prison life, the prosecutor‟s argument was a reasonable 
commentary on the evidence. 
e.  Appealing to vengeance 
Defendant contends the prosecutor argued to the jury that it ought to avenge 
the murders of Officer Ganz and Catalina Correa by returning a death verdict.  The 
prosecutor argued, “I suggest that you show [defendant] the same sympathy that 
49 
he showed to Martin Ganz and the same sympathy that he showed to Catalina 
Correa” and “there is no sympathy for any human so great to outweigh the 
aggravating factors in this case.”  As defendant concedes, we repeatedly have 
ruled it is not misconduct for a prosecutor to ask the jury to show a defendant the 
same lack of sympathy the defendant showed the victims (see, e.g., People v. 
Kennedy (2005) 36 Cal.4th 595, 636), and we do so again here. 
Even if the prosecutor‟s arguments were not a proper rebuttal to 
defendant‟s plea for sympathy, but rather a call for vengeance, isolated references 
to retribution or community vengeance do not constitute misconduct.  (See People 
v. Davenport (1995) 11 Cal.4th 1171, 1222.) 
f.  Appealing to religious beliefs 
Defendant contends the prosecutor directly invoked religion during her 
closing argument.  While discussing Catalina Correa‟s murder, the prosecutor 
said:  “And what I thought was particularly telling, she died wearing her cross.  
And there was not one thing she did to deserve her life ending in that manner.”  
The prosecutor concluded her argument by saying, “I ask you to let this Christmas 
and two days after on the 27th, which will be the fifth year anniversary of the 
murder of Martin Ganz, let this be the Christmas and this be the anniversary of his 
death, that those who knew him and loved him can finally have a sense that some 
justice has occurred.”20 
Arguments that refer to religion in an effort to convince the jury to impose 
the death penalty are improper.  (E.g., People v. Zambrano, supra, 41 Cal.4th at 
pp. 1169-1170.)  The prosecutor‟s arguments, however, did not appeal to a 
                                              
20  
The prosecutor gave her closing argument approximately 10 days before 
Christmas in 1998. 
50 
religious authority in urging the jury to return a death verdict.  Even were we to 
assume the prosecutor‟s remarks constituted improper references to religion, they 
did not diminish the jury‟s sense of responsibility to follow the trial court‟s 
instructions, and there is no reasonable likelihood the jury applied the remarks in 
an objectionable fashion.  (See People v. Friend, supra, 47 Cal.4th at p. 29; see, 
e.g., People v. Lewis and Oliver (2006) 39 Cal.4th 970, 1059-1061.) 
3.  Jury Instruction on a Juror’s Refusal to Deliberate 
Defendant contends the trial court erred in instructing the jury, over his 
objection, with CALJIC No. 17.41.1 concerning the obligation of the other jurors 
if a juror refuses to deliberate.21 
Since defendant‟s trial, we have disapproved this instruction but, as 
defendant concedes, we previously have rejected similar claims that the instruction 
violates a defendant‟s federal constitutional rights, and we do so again here.  (See, 
e.g., People v. Wilson (2008) 44 Cal.4th 758, 805-806.) 
4.  Denial of Defendant’s Automatic Application for Modification of 
the Death Verdict 
Defendant contends the trial court erred under state law when, in denying 
his automatic application for modification of the death verdict, it failed to 
determine independently whether the death penalty was appropriate in light of the 
relevant evidence and applicable law. 
                                              
21  
CALJIC No. 17.41.1, as modified and read by the trial court, provided:  
“The integrity of a trial requires that jurors, at all times during their deliberations, 
conduct themselves as required by these instructions.  Accordingly, should it occur 
that any juror is refusing to deliberate or expresses an intention to disregard the 
law or to decide the case based on any improper basis, it is the obligation of the 
other jurors to immediately advise the Court of the situation.” 
51 
In ruling on defendant‟s application for modification of the verdict, the trial 
court must reweigh the evidence; consider the aggravating and mitigating 
circumstances; and determine whether, in its independent judgment, the weight of 
the evidence supports the jury‟s verdict.  (See, e.g., People v. Carrington, supra, 
47 Cal.4th at p. 201.)  On appeal, although the trial court‟s ruling is subject to 
independent review, we do not make a de novo determination of penalty.  (See, 
e.g., People v. Wallace (2008) 44 Cal.4th 1032, 1096.) 
Defendant failed to assert most of the claims he raises here when the trial 
court ruled on the automatic application, and accordingly he has forfeited any 
appellate contentions regarding those claims.  (See People v. Riel (2000) 22 
Cal.4th 1153, 1220 [contemporaneous objection rule applies to cases in which the 
modification hearing was conducted after this court‟s decision in People v. Hill 
(1992) 3 Cal.4th 959 became final].)  In any event, defendant‟s claims lack merit 
as the weight of the evidence supported the jury‟s verdict. 
Defendant contends the trial court failed to meaningfully evaluate the 
evidence of his mental disorder under section 190.3, factor (k) or to give it the 
proper weight under other sentencing factors.  In denying defendant‟s automatic 
application, the trial court explicitly rejected his argument based on his mental 
condition, finding his expert‟s opinion that he suffered from a brain disorder was 
“feeble.”  The trial court also rejected defendant‟s claim that he suffered from any 
extreme mental or emotional disturbance during the commission of the crimes.  
The trial court acknowledged the evidence of defendant‟s traumatic childhood and 
cited factor (k), but found that evidence was outweighed greatly by the evidence in 
aggravation. 
Defendant also contends there was insufficient evidence to support his first 
degree murder conviction and the special circumstance of commission of a murder 
to avoid lawful arrest, and the trial court failed to consider this when ruling upon 
52 
his automatic application.  This claim fails, as the trial court explicitly found 
defendant was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and that he killed Officer Ganz 
with the requisite premeditation and for the purpose of avoiding a lawful arrest. 
Defendant contends the trial court erred by relying on the testimony of the 
victims of his prior crimes regarding how his crimes had affected their lives.  Such 
evidence is relevant and admissible.  (See, e.g., People v. Davis, supra, 46 Cal.4th 
at pp. 617-619.) 
Defendant also contends the trial court erred by conducting a “piecemeal” 
evaluation of the mitigating evidence, which had the effect of reducing the weight 
of the entirety of the mitigating evidence.  The trial court, however, explicitly 
stated it had reviewed “all of the evidence available,” and had “carefully and 
separately” weighed the aggravating and mitigating factors.  There is no evidence 
the trial court considered the mitigating factors in piecemeal fashion.  (See People 
v. Lucero (2000) 23 Cal.4th 692, 738.) 
Finally, as the trial court did not commit any errors when denying 
defendant‟s automatic motion, there are no errors to cumulate on review. 
5.  Arbitrary Imposition of the Death Penalty 
Defendant contends the death penalty in California is imposed arbitrarily 
and capriciously depending on the county in which the case is prosecuted. 
Prosecutorial discretion to select in which eligible cases the death penalty 
will actually be sought is not evidence of an arbitrary and capricious death penalty 
system.  (See, e.g., People v. Bennett (2009) 45 Cal.4th 577, 629.)  Contrary to 
defendant‟s contention, the voting rights case Bush v. Gore (2000) 531 U.S. 98 
does not compel a different result.  (See, e.g., Bennett, at p. 629, fn. 19.) 
53 
6.  Delay in the Appointment of Appellate Counsel 
Defendant contends the nearly 33-month delay between the entry of 
judgment and the appointment of appellate counsel violated his federal 
constitutional rights to equal protection and due process. 
As defendant concedes, we previously have ruled the delay in appointing 
counsel and processing the appeal is necessary to protect condemned prisoners‟ 
rights, and we do so again here.  (See, e.g., People v. Lewis and Oliver, supra, 39 
Cal.4th at p. 1068.) 
7.  Execution Following Lengthy Confinement 
Defendant contends the delay in executing him has resulted in an extended, 
degrading, and solitary incarceration on death row that has caused extraordinary 
psychological distress and thus constitutes cruel and unusual punishment.  (U.S. 
Const., 5th, 6th, 8th & 14th Amends.; Cal. Const., art. I, §§ 7, 15-17.) 
We previously have rejected similar claims, and we do so again here.  (See, 
e.g., People v. Davis, supra, 46 Cal.4th at p. 628.) 
8.  Constitutional Challenges to California’s Death Penalty Statute 
Defendant contends his death sentence violated various guarantees under 
the federal Constitution.  (U.S. Const., 5th, 6th, 8th & 14th Amends.)  As we have 
in other cases, we reject defendant‟s contentions.  Specifically: 
California‟s death penalty statute is not impermissibly broad and 
adequately narrows the class of death-eligible defendants.  (See, e.g., People v. 
Davis, supra, 46 Cal.4th at p. 627.) 
Section 190.3, factor (a), whether considered on its face or as applied, does 
not allow for arbitrary and capricious imposition of the death penalty.  (Tuilaepa v. 
California (1994) 512 U.S. 967, 975-976; see, e.g., People v. Martinez (2009) 47 
Cal.4th 399, 454.) 
54 
A death sentence need not be premised on findings (either beyond a 
reasonable doubt or by a preponderance of the evidence) by a unanimous jury that 
one or more aggravating factors exist, that these factors outweigh the mitigating 
factors, and that death is the appropriate penalty.  (See, e.g., People v. Burney, 
supra, 47 Cal.4th at pp. 267-268.)  No “tie-breaking rule” is necessary, and the 
jury need not be instructed that there is no burden of proof.  (See, e.g., People v. 
Bennett, supra, 45 Cal.4th at p. 632.)  Contrary to defendant‟s contention, neither 
Apprendi v. New Jersey (2000) 530 U.S. 466 nor Ring v. Arizona (2002) 536 U.S. 
584 compels a different result.  (See, e.g., People v. Martinez, supra, 47 Cal.4th at 
p. 455.) 
The federal Constitution does not require written jury findings during the 
penalty phase.  (See, e.g., People v. Burney, supra, 47 Cal.4th at pp. 267-268.) 
Intercase proportionality review is not constitutionally required.  (See, e.g., 
People v. Martinez, supra, 47 Cal.4th at p. 455.) 
The jury need not be instructed as to which sentencing factors are 
aggravating and which are mitigating.  (See, e.g., People v. Samayoa (1997) 15 
Cal.4th 795, 862.) 
Equal protection does not require that capital defendants be afforded the 
same sentence review afforded other felons sentenced under the determinate 
sentencing law.  (See, e.g., People v. Martinez, supra, 47 Cal.4th at p. 456.) 
Despite the abolition of the death penalty in the majority of nations 
(including all of Western Europe), California‟s assertedly regular imposition of the 
death penalty as punishment for a substantial number of homicides does not 
violate international law or norms.  (See, e.g., People v. Carrington, supra, 47 
Cal.4th at pp. 198-199.) 
55 
 
CONCLUSION 
The judgment is affirmed. 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
WERDEGAR, J. 
WE CONCUR: 
GEORGE, C. J. 
KENNARD, J, 
BAXTER, J. 
CHIN, J. 
MORENO, J. 
CORRIGAN, J. 
 
 
 
 
See next page for addresses and telephone numbers for counsel who argued in Supreme Court. 
 
Name of Opinion People v. Brady 
__________________________________________________________________________________ 
 
Unpublished Opinion 
Original Appeal XXX 
Original Proceeding 
Review Granted 
Rehearing Granted 
 
__________________________________________________________________________________ 
 
Opinion No. S078404 
Date Filed: August 9, 2010 
__________________________________________________________________________________ 
 
Court: Superior 
County: Los Angeles 
Judge: Stephen E. O‟Neil 
 
__________________________________________________________________________________ 
 
Attorneys for Appellant: 
 
Susan K. Marr, under appointment by the Supreme Court, for Defendant and Appellant. 
 
 
 
 
__________________________________________________________________________________ 
 
Attorneys for Respondent: 
 
Edmund G. Brown, Jr., Attorney General, Dane R. Gillette, Chief Assistant Attorney General, Pamela C. 
Hamanaka, Assistant Attorney General, John R Gorey and Noah P. Hill, Deputy Attorneys General, for 
Plaintiff and Respondent. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Counsel who argued in Supreme Court (not intended for publication with opinion): 
 
Susan K. Marr 
9462 Winston Drive 
Brentwood, TN  37027 
(615) 661-8760 
 
Noah P. Hill 
Deputy Attorney General 
300 South Spring Street, Suite 1702 
Los Angeles, CA  90013 
(213) 897-8884