Opinion ID: 2509517
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The scope of section 190.3, factor (a)

Text: Section 190.3, factor (a) permits both the prosecution and the defense to introduce evidence of [t]he circumstances of the crime of which the defendant was convicted in the present proceeding. In People v. Edwards (1991) 54 Cal.3d 787, 1 Cal.Rptr.2d 696, 819 P.2d 436, this court adopted an expansive reading of this language. Edwards explained: The word `circumstances' as used in factor (a) of section 190.3 does not mean merely the immediate temporal and spatial circumstances of the crime. Rather it extends to `[t]hat which surrounds materially, morally, or logically,' the crime. ( Id. at p. 833, 1 Cal.Rptr.2d 696, 819 P.2d 436.) We therefore held that factor (a) authorized evidence of the specific harm caused by the defendant, including the impact on the family of the victim. ( Id. at p. 835, 1 Cal.Rptr.2d 696, 819 P.2d 436.) We also held that evidence of the massive five-day air and ground search for the defendant after the crime was discovered was admissible under factor (a). ( Id. at pp. 831-832, 1 Cal.Rptr.2d 696, 819 P.2d 436.) In other cases we have held that characteristics of the crime fall within the scope of section 190.3, factor (a). People v. Lucero (2000) 23 Cal.4th 692, 714-715, 97 Cal.Rptr.2d 871, 3 P.3d 248, held a photograph of the victim when alive was admissible because it portrayed the victim as seen by the defendant before the murder. People v. Coddington, supra, 23 Cal.4th 529, 640, 97 Cal.Rptr.2d 528, 2 P.3d 1081, said that factor (a) included the method of killing or evidence of extensive planning. People v. Nicolaus (1991) 54 Cal.3d 551, 581, 286 Cal.Rptr. 628, 817 P.2d 893, held evidence of the defendant's hatred of his wife's religion was admissible as bearing upon the defendant's motive for the crime. (See also People v. Osband (1996) 13 Cal.4th 622, 708, 55 Cal.Rptr.2d 26, 919 P.2d 640 [motive as part of circumstances of crime].) In light of these precedents, we conclude here that Dr. Hatcher's testimony was admissible under section 190.3, factor (a). It explained the motivation for the crime, and the history and mental condition that produced such motivation. It explained the significance of the methods used to commit the crime  the handcuffs and duct tape, the act of sodomy, the post mortem burning of the body. It also explained how evidence found in defendant's home and car showed that he premeditated the crime, and related to the manner in which it was committed. In short, Dr. Hatcher's testimony was evidence relating to the circumstances of the crime.