Opinion ID: 2567623
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Evidence presented at the second reference hearing

Text: Our June 25, 2003, order for a second reference hearing directed Judge Krauel to take evidence and make findings of fact on these additional questions: 1. (a) Did Larry Montez write and/or sign the document dated October 23, 1980? [¶] (b) If the answer to question (1)(a) is yes, under what circumstances was it written and signed? Would Montez have been available as a witness to the defense? What would he have said? Is the information contained in the document or about which Montez would have testified credible? Could and would the defense have effectively cross-examined Saucedo regarding the information the document contains? [f] (c) If the answer to question (1)(a) is no, the referee need make no further findings concerning the document unless petitioner contends it is material even if not written or signed by Montez.... 2. What did Saucedo tell Jimmie Barnes, Marvin Sanchez and Steven McDonald about his role in the Hosey killing? Did Saucedo's statements to Barnes, Sanchez and McDonald differ from his testimony in petitioner's trial and, if so, how did they differ? Would disclosure to the defense of information provided to the prosecution by Barnes, Sanchez and McDonald, and the prosecution's arrangements with those individuals, have led to useful defense evidence and, if so, what? Could and would the defense have effectively cross-examined Saucedo regarding the information provided by Barnes, Sanchez and McDonald? 3. If the undisclosed evidence (the letter and the prosecution's arrangements with Barnes, Sanchez and McDonald) had been disclosed to petitioner, would petitioner's trial counsel in the Hosey murder case have advised him to plead guilty? Would petitioner have entered a guilty plea in that case? The evidence considered by the referee in response to our second reference order consisted of factual stipulations by the parties, written declarations and other documentary evidence (jointly submitted or admitted without objection), and live testimony. The live hearing on the second reference order took place on June 24 and July 22, 2004. More specifically, the evidence included the following.