Opinion ID: 2638434
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Examination of Garrison

Text: Because much of the evidence presented earlier in the trial was presented again in the penalty retrial, defendant repeats many of the claims we previously have rejected. Thus, defendant first claims the trial court erred by permitting Garrison to testify despite the terms of his plea bargain. As we explained, this was not error. ( Ante, at pt. I.C.3.b.) Second, he claims it was error to permit Garrison to testify because he could not identify defendant at trial. Here, too, there was no error. ( Ante, at pt. I.C.3.a.) Third, he claims it was error to permit Garrison to testify that defendant had told him not to worry because he (defendant) had killed before. Defendant also claims it was error to permit the prosecution to elicit multiple repetitions of the same statement. We previously have explained it was not misconduct for the prosecutor to remark on this statement in his opening ( ante, at pt. I.C.2.a.) and closing statements ( ante, at pt. I.C.7.a.), or to permit Sergeant Quinn to testify that Garrison had told him of defendant's statement ( ante, at pt. I.C.3.e.). To the extent defendant contends the statement was inadmissible hearsay, we reject that claim as well, for the trial court properly ruled it admissible to show defendant's state of mind in forming the plan to commit the robbery and murder. (See also Evid. Code, § 1220 [admission of party excepted from hearsay rule].) Finally, to the extent defendant contends admission of the above evidence violated his constitutional rights to a fair trial, due process, equal protection and a reliable penalty determination, we reject those claims, as the evidence was properly admissible.