Opinion ID: 2590211
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Asserted Invalidity of Sodomy Special Circumstance Finding

Text: Extending his related argument from the guilt phase ( ante, 99 Cal. Rptr.2d at pp. 55-56, 5 P.3d at pp. 117-118), defendant contends the assertedly invalid sodomy special circumstance, relating to the murder of Michael Inderbieten, was improperly introduced into the penalty phase and necessitates reversal and retrial of penalty. Consistent with our related conclusion from the guilt phase upholding the sodomy special-circumstance finding, we disagree. Even were our conclusion otherwise, given the magnitude of defendant's crimes there is no reasonable possibility of a more favorable penalty verdict had the jury not considered the sodomy special circumstance. ( People v. Roberts, supra, 2 Cal.4th at p. 327, 6 Cal.Rptr.2d 276, 826 P.2d 274.)