Opinion ID: 1433861
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 15

Heading: Sufficiency of the Evidence of First Degree Murder

Text: Defendant contends the evidence of first degree murder was insufficient to establish a preconceived design or careful thought or reflection. (See, e.g., People v. Anderson (1968) 70 Cal.2d 15, 26-27, 73 Cal.Rptr. 550, 447 P.2d 942.) In particular, he argues that he could not have formed the requisite state of mind because the unexpected arrival of Mincy and Wilson immediately precipitated both the argument with Huffstuttler about the strangers' observations of the marijuana plants and the shootings. In assessing the sufficiency of the evidence, we review the entire record in the light most favorable to the judgment to determine whether it discloses 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. ( People v. Johnson (1980) 26 Cal.3d 557,578,162 Cal.Rptr. 431, 606 P.2d 738; see also Jackson v. Virginia (1979) 443 U.S. 307, 319-320, 99 S.Ct. 2781, 2789-2790, 61 L.Ed.2d 560.) Reversal on this ground is unwarranted unless it appears that upon no hypothesis whatever is there sufficient substantial evidence to support [the conviction]. ( People v. Redmond (1969) 71 Cal.2d 745, 755, 79 Cal.Rptr. 529, 457 P.2d 321.) In People v. Anderson, supra, 70 Cal.2d at pages 26-27, 73 Cal.Rptr. 550, 447 P.2d 942, we identified three categories of evidence relevant to resolving the issue of premeditation and deliberation: planning activity, motive, and manner of killing. However, as later explained in People v. Pride (1992) 3 Cal.4th 195, 247,10 Cal.Rptr.2d 636, 833 P.2d 643: Anderson does not require that these factors be present in some special combination or that they be accorded a particular weight, nor is the list exhaustive. Anderson was simply intende to guide an appellate court's assessment whether the evidence supports an inference that the killing occurred as the result of preexisting reflection rather than unconsidered or rash impulse. [Citation.] Thus, while premeditation and deliberation must result from 'careful thought and weighing of considerations' (70 Cal.2d at p. 27, 73 Cal.Rptr. 550, 447 P.2d 942), we continue to apply the principle that [t]he process of premeditation and deliberation 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. Mayfield, supra, 14 Cal.4th at p. 767, 60 Cal.Rptr.2d 1, 928 P.2d 485.) Defendant correctly notes the killings took place within a few minutes of the victims' arrival at his cabin. What occurred within those few minutes, however, is particularly telling with respect to his state of mind. According to both Wilson and Eloy Ramirez, defendant began arguing with Huffstuttler when Mincy and Wilson were shown the marijuana plants. Defendant continued berating Huffstuttler as the two walked back toward the cabin. Defendant went inside, retrieved a revolver, and shot Huffstuttler at close range. He proceeded back across the creek and confronted Wilson and Mincy. After apologizing that he had nothing against them, he opened fire. As a wounded Wilson fled the scene, he heard Mincy plead for his life. More shots were fired. Defendant returned to Huffstuttler and fired several rifle rounds into his motionless body. The autopsy report indicated at least three shots were inflicted before he died, although according to Ramirez he did not move after the first shot. After the shootings, defendant told Ramirez he was going to make the scene look like a bad dope deal had occurred and scattered marijuana, broke bottles, and poured chili sauce around Huffstuttler's body. None of the victims were armed; nor did they engage in any provocative conduct. From this evidence, a reasonable trier of fact could infer defendant had a motive for the killings, both to punish Huffstuttler for revealing the marijuana operation to strangers and to protect his crop from theft or exposure to law enforcement. He also may have wanted to eliminate Mincy and Wilson as witnesses to the Huffstuttler shooting. In conjunction with these possible motives, the manner of killing supports a finding of premeditation and deliberation. Both victims died of multiple gunshot wounds, several of which would have been fatal individually. While defendant fired some shots at Mincy as he was attempting to flee, at least one shot entered his body as he lay in a fetal position. This forensic evidence indicates defendant did not want merely to wound either victim; he wanted to make certain they died. The trial testimony also suggests rapid but purposeful planning activity once defendant realized the potential consequences of his partner's carelessness. While chastising Huffstuttler, he walked back to the cabin where he got a gun. Rather than seek a reconciliation, he shot Huffstuttler without warning. He then shot Mincy and Wilson and made good his escape after attempting to conceal his own involvement in the crimes. Viewing the record in its entirety, we find sufficient evidence to support the jury's finding of first degree murder. (See People v. Anderson, supra, 70 Cal.2d at p. 27, 73 Cal. Rptr. 550, 447 P.2d 942.) Defendant's argument simply asks this court to reweigh the facts.