Court Opinion

ID: 3180138
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2016-02-24 21:19:05.615597+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:06:44.938108
License: Public Domain

Filed 2/24/16 P. v. Moor CA2/6
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              IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

                                     SECOND APPELLATE DISTRICT

                                                   DIVISION SIX

THE PEOPLE,                                                               2d Crim. No. B256126
                                                                  (Super. Ct. No. PAO72172-01, -02, -03)
     Plaintiff and Respondent,                                             (Los Angeles County)

v.

MATTHEW MOOR et al.,

     Defendants and Appellants.

                   Here three defendants were tried for first degree murder and conspiracy to
commit murder. Thereafter, in People v Chiu (2014) 59 Cal. 4th 155, the California
Supreme Court held that the natural and probable consequences doctrine may not be used
to convict an aider and abettor of first degree murder. Here we decide that instructional
error on the natural and probable consequences doctrine was harmless beyond a
reasonable doubt.
                   Matthew Moor, Virginia Moor,1 and Arthur Ramirez appeal judgments
after conviction by jury of first degree premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit
murder (counts 1 & 4). (Pen. Code, §§ 187, subd. (a), 189, 182, subd. (a)(1).)2 The jury
also convicted Matthew and Ramirez of being felons in possession of firearms (counts 2

1
  Virginia Moor is Matthew Moor's sister-in-law. We refer to the Moors by their first
names for clarity.
2
  All statutory references are to the Penal Code unless otherwise stated.
& 3). (§ 12021,3 subd. (a)(1).) The jury found true allegations that each offense was
committed on behalf of a criminal street gang (§ 186.22, subd. (b)(1)(C)); and that a
principal personally and intentionally discharged a firearm in the commission of the
murder and the conspiracy to commit murder, proximately causing great bodily injury or
death (§ 12022.53, subds. (d) & (e)(1)). Matthew and Ramirez admitted they suffered
prior strike convictions. (§§ 667, subds. (b)-(i), 1170.12, subds. (a)-(d).)
              The trial court sentenced Matthew and Ramirez each to 80 years to life in
prison, consisting of 25 years to life for the murder, doubled to 50 years for the prior
strikes, plus a consecutive term of 25 years to life for the firearm enhancement, and a
consecutive term of five years for the serious felony enhancement. The court stayed gang
enhancements and the sentences for conspiracy and for being felons in possession
pursuant to section 654.
              The trial court sentenced Virginia to 25 years to life for the murder, plus a
consecutive term of 25 years to life for the firearm enhancement. It stayed her sentence
for conspiracy pursuant to section 654.
              In supplemental minute orders, the trial court imposed a 15-year minimum
parole period upon each defendant (§ 186.22, subd. (b)(5)) and ordered that liability for
victim restitution is joint and several.
              We vacate the minimum parole period and correct the abstracts of
judgment. We otherwise affirm.
                                      BACKGROUND
              Michael Torres is a member of the Mexican Mafia. He controls gangs in
the San Fernando Valley. Virginia, a Mexican Mafia associate, was his "secretary" and
controlled street-level activities including "tax" collection and discipline for Torres while
he was in prison. She is known as "Mama Virge" and "Mom."
              Matthew is a member of the San Fer street gang and an associate of the
Mexican Mafia. Ramirez is a member of the Sun Valley Diablos street gang. Brian

3
 References to sections 12021 and 12022.53 are to the versions in effect prior to January
1, 2012.
                                              2
Stansfield, also known as "Casper," is a member of the San Fer gang. Peter Ziehler (the
victim) was a member of the San Fer gang, who looked like Stansfield, and was also
known as "Casper." Ziehler lived in a house on Aztec Road. Humberto Gastelum is a
member of the San Fer gang and an associate of the Mexican Mafia.
              Stansfield (Casper) owed $1,800 to the Mexican Mafia. Virginia attempted
to collect the debt without success. After she chased him with her truck in 2006,
Stansfield moved to Palmdale for his safety.
              In a recorded telephone conversation in 2007, Virginia said that a San Fer
gang member named Casper "owes money big time," and "that motherfucker keeps
running from me," and "I want that motherfucker checked." In a later call, she said,
"[I]t's the wrong Casper. . . . Poor thing. He almost got beat up."
              In 2011, Gastelum saw Stansfield at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting,
and Stansfield asked about Virginia. Stansfield talked about "high power . . . prison
politics." Stansfield "was concerned what Virg[inia] thought of him, if [Gastelum] had
heard anything."
              Soon afterward, Virginia sent Mathew to the Aztec house and sent
Gastelum to ensure they had the right "Casper." Matthew 's friend Ramirez also went.
              Matthew and Ramirez arrived at the house in a van with Ramirez's
girlfriend, Lucia Guzman, and another woman. Ziehler, Lorenzo Hurtado, Stephanie
Wasson, and Adrian Quintana were at the house. Anthony Montez was visiting.
              Ramirez saw Ziehler near the garage, and said, "I'll be right back. I got a
homey in the car." Ramirez returned to the house with Matthew. Matthew said to
Quintana, "You've got a rat in the back," and to Montez, "Mom sent me." Matthew said
they would have someone "verify who the fuck he is." He said, "[A]s soon as he's
verified, bam, he's got to go." Matthew said to Montez that they were going to beat
Casper with a baseball bat and "take him to the thing, and we're going to 'pow, pow,
pow.'" He said, "[B]efore we do anything, we're waiting on identification."
              When Gastelum arrived, Matthew told him to go to the back of the house
and identify Casper. Gastelum did not recognize Ziehler. But Matthew and Ramirez did

                                               3
not wait for Gastelum's response. They went into the backyard and shot Ziehler, then
drove away in the van with the women and Gastelum.
              Hurtado found Ziehler bleeding in the backyard. He helped Ziehler into a
child's wagon. Hurtado and Quintana pulled Ziehler to the street and left him to die.
              Montez told an investigator that he saw Matthew shoot Casper. He said
Matthew had a shotgun and Ramirez had a small gun. He said the original plan was to
beat Casper and then take him somewhere else to kill him.
              A medical examiner testified that Ziehler's face was beaten and he was shot
in the chest with a handgun and in the right buttock with a shotgun while bent over. The
shotgun blast was fatal. At the Aztec house, a detective found a spent shotgun shell,
freshly washed wet clothes, a baseball bat, and an inoperable shotgun.
              Cell phone records showed that Matthew, Ramirez, and Virginia
telephoned each other before and after the shooting. The calls went through a cell tower
near the Aztec house.
              After she was arrested, Virginia told a police officer that she wanted to
"retire." She admitted she was "the secretary for the Mexican Mafia." She said she
controlled Torres's street level activities, including the collection of taxes and the
disciplining of gang members or drug dealers if necessary. Virginia said she collected
$1,000 per month from each gang. She said if someone did not pay, she would "track
them down" and try to "barter out a deal" because "dead people can't pay." She said that
if "people wouldn't listen to reason . . . other actions would have to be taken."
              A detective assigned to the San Fer gang testified that a murder committed
under facts similar to those of this case would be on behalf of the San Fer gang. He said
that killing someone who has not paid taxes benefits the gang because it prevents anyone
else from trying to do the same thing. The detective testified that San Fer is a criminal
street gang and its primary activities are murder, robbery, and narcotics trafficking,
among other things. He described a predicate murder and a robbery committed on behalf
of the San Fer gang. He said street gangs pay a portion of the money they earn to the
Mexican Mafia as taxes. He said gangs control territory by intimidation and gain a

                                               4
reputation through violent acts. In response to hypothetical questions, the detective said a
murder is committed for the benefit and at the direction of a gang when the "boss" issues
an order to his secretary, who then directs "soldiers" to carry out the killing.
              A gang expert and former Mexican Mafia member, Rene Enriquez,
described the Mexican Mafia street gang and its relationship with "Surenos" such as San
Fer members. In response to a hypothetical based on the facts of the case, he said the
murder was committed for the benefit of and at the direction of the gang because the
secretary ordered the hit for money owed to the syndicate. Enriquez said the expression,
"I need somebody checked" could mean they should be beaten or killed. The statement,
"Mom sent me," means the order comes directly from a secretary. Carnals are the highest
ranking members of the Mexican Mafia, and a secretary is under a carnal. Enriquez said
Virginia was Torres's secretary, based on his experience in the Mexican Mafia and on
"intercepted communications." The carnal directs members though the secretary, who
can call shots and make decisions. A person can be killed for disrespecting a secretary.
              A special agent for the California Department of Corrections and
Rehabilitation testified to several murders committed on behalf of the Mexican Mafia.
He said that the Mexican Mafia benefits when a secretary orders the murder of a drug
dealer.
              On count 1, the trial court instructed the jury on first and second degree
murder, aider and abettor liability, the natural and probable consequences doctrine, and
criminal responsibility based on an uncharged conspiracy to commit assault. On count 4,
it instructed the jury on conspiracy to commit murder and the natural and probable
consequences doctrine. It also instructed on the elements of assault with a deadly
weapon or with force likely to produce great bodily harm.
              The jury found defendants guilty on all charges. On the conspiracy counts,
it found true overt acts. These included that co-conspirators "obtained approval from
another co-conspirator to kill the victim," "received orders from another co-conspirator to
kill the victim," "armed themselves with firearms," "entered a van," "drove to . . . where
the victim lived," "physically assaulted the victim," and "shot and killed the victim."

                                              5
                                      DISCUSSION
    Instructions - First Degree Murder Based on Natural and Probable Consequences
                     Doctrine (Count 1 - Virginia, Matthew, Ramirez)
              The trial court erred when it instructed the jury that an aider and abettor
may be convicted of first degree murder based on the natural and probable consequences
doctrine. (People v. Chiu, supra, 59 Cal. 4th 155.) But we do not reverse the convictions
because we are certain beyond a reasonable doubt that the jury would have found each
defendant guilty of first degree murder under Chiu. The verdicts imply findings that
Virginia approved and ordered a killing, not an assault, and that Matthew and Ramirez
acted as direct perpetrators.
              An aider and abettor is guilty as a principal. (§ 31.) An "aider and abettor"
is one who acts with (1) knowledge of the criminal purpose of the perpetrator and with
(2) an intent or purpose either of committing, or of encouraging or facilitating
commission of, the offense. (People v. Chiu, supra, 59 Cal. 4th 155, 161.) The aider and
abettor is guilty of both the intended ("target") crime and any other ("nontarget") crime
the perpetrator commits that is the natural and probable consequence of the intended
crime. (Ibid.) Except that an aider and abettor may not be convicted of a nontarget first
degree premeditated murder based on the natural and probable consequences doctrine.
(Chiu, at pp. 158-159.) This is because the mental state for premeditated murder is
"uniquely subjective and personal." (Id. at p. 166.) The trial court's instructions would
allow the jury to find a defendant guilty of first degree premeditated murder based on
aider and abettor liability for the natural and probable consequences of an assault, among
other theories.4

4
 The trial court instructed the jury that, to prove murder under the natural and probable
consequences doctrine, "[T]he People must prove that: [¶] 1. The defendant is guilty of
Assault; [¶] 2. During the commission of an Assault a coparticipant in that Assault
committed the crime of Murder; [¶] AND [¶] 3. Under all the circumstances, a reasonable
person in the defendant's position would have known that the commission of the Murder
was a natural and probable consequence of the commission of the Assault." (CALCRIM
No. 403.)
                                             6
              The instruction did not apply to Matthew and Ramirez because they were
not tried as aiders and abettors. They were direct perpetrators. The prosecutor argued
they "physically assaulted the victim. . . . [t]hen finally shot and killed him." Their
defense was identity. The jury found Matthew and Ramirez each possessed firearms and
that a principal personally and intentionally discharged a firearm during the killing.
Ziehler was shot by a shotgun and a handgun and there was no evidence anyone else had
a firearm at the scene.
              Virginia was tried as an aider and abettor. The prosecutor relied on the
state of the law prior to Chiu and argued Virginia was guilty of first degree murder either
because she knowingly encouraged a murder or knowingly encouraged an intended
assault, the natural and probable consequence of which was murder. The prosecutor said
that even if Virginia's order to "check" Casper was an order only to assault him, she is
guilty of premeditated first degree murder because that offense is a natural and probable
consequence of assault: "Maybe [Virginia] just told 'em check him. Beat 'em up, assault
him. . . . Like she does in the 2007 phone call. . . . [T]he fact that [Matthew] . . . may
take it a step further, that's a natural and probable consequence. And she's still guilty."
Because the trial court instructed on both an unlawful and lawful theories, Virginia's
conviction for first degree murder must be reversed, "unless we conclude beyond a
reasonable doubt that the jury based its verdict on the legally valid theory that [she]
directly aided and abetted the premeditated murder." (People v. Chiu, supra, 59 Cal. 4th
155, 167.) We are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that the jury did.
              The jury found Virginia guilty of conspiracy to commit first degree murder,
for which the trial court required proof that Virginia agreed with one or more of the other
defendants "to intentionally and unlawfully kill." On the verdict forms, the jury marked
"true" allegations against each defendant that co-conspirators "obtained approval from
another co-conspirator to kill the victim" and "received orders from another
co-conspirator to kill the victim." The jury's guilty verdict on conspiracy establishes that
Virginia shared a common purpose to kill "Casper" and ordered his killing. Virginia did
not intend that he be assaulted.

                                              7
              Chiu did not involve conspiracy to commit murder. Defendant Chiu
participated in a spontaneous brawl. Someone hit him eight or nine times in the head
before he said, "get a gun" and "shoot him" to his companion, who then shot the victim.
(People v Chiu, supra, 59 Cal. 4th 155, 160.) The erroneous instruction on natural and
probable consequences was not harmless beyond a reasonable doubt. Jurors asked
questions about aider and abettor liability and expressed reservations about putting Chiu
"in the shoes" of his companion, the perpetrator, before it convicted Chiu of first degree
murder. (Id. at p. 168.) Here, the jury asked no questions about aider and abettor
liability. Its findings on the conspiracy and the evidence leave no reasonable doubt that
Virginia knew of, and intended to encourage, the target offense of murder.
    Instructions - Conspiracy to Murder Based on Natural and Probable Consequences
                    Doctrine (Count 4 - Virginia, Matthew, Ramirez)
              A defendant may not be convicted of conspiracy to commit murder as the
natural and probable consequence of a conspiracy to commit a lesser offense. (See
People v. Swain (1996) 12 Cal. 4th 593, 602-603.) This is because conspiracy to commit
murder requires intent to kill. (Id. at p. 607.) Appellants contend the combined
instructions suggest that the jury could find them guilty of conspiracy to commit murder
as a natural and probable consequence of a conspiracy to assault. We disagree.
              The trial court instructed the jury on the natural and probable consequences
doctrine concerning the charged conspiracy (count 4),5 but that instruction required proof
that the intended crime was murder: "[T]he People must prove that: [¶] 1. The defendant
conspired to commit one of the following crimes: Murder; [¶] 2. A member of the
conspiracy committed Murder to further the conspiracy; [¶] AND [¶] 3. Murder was a
natural and probable consequence of the common plan or design of the crime that the
defendant conspired to commit." (CALCRIM No. 417.) The prosecutor argued, "One of

5
  "A member of a conspiracy is also criminally responsible for any act of any member of
the conspiracy if that act is done to further the conspiracy and that act is a natural and
probable consequence of the common plan or design of the conspiracy." (CALCRIM No.
417.)
                                             8
the facts we have to prove to you is that the defendants intended to agree or did agree
with another to kill somebody." The court instructed on an uncharged conspiracy to
commit assault as a theory of liability for murder (count 1). But it did not state that
conspirators to an assault could be responsible for conspiracy to murder (count 4).
(CALCRIM No. 416.)
               The conspiracy instructions were correct because they required proof of
intent to commit the target offense (murder). Appellants did not request clarification at
trial. (People v. Lang (1989) 49 Cal. 3d 991, 1024 [request for clarifying language is
forfeited if not raised at trial].) Counsel was not ineffective, because the instructions on
conspiracy as a whole were correct. (People v. Musselwhite (1998) 17 Cal. 4th 1216,
1248 [instructions viewed as a whole].) And there is no reasonable likelihood the jury
interpreted the instructions in an impermissible manner. (Estelle v. McGuire (1991) 502
U.S. 62, 72 & fn. 4.) It based its verdict on express malice when it found that the
defendants conspired to "commit murder" and one co-conspirator ordered the others "to
kill the victim."
    Instruction - Conspiracy to Commit Lesser Offenses (Virginia, Ramirez, Matthew)
               Virginia and Ramirez contend they were entitled to instructions on
conspiracy to commit assault with a firearm and conspiracy to commit assault as lesser
included offenses to conspiracy to murder because the accusatory pleading alleged
murder with a firearm. Matthew joins. The lesser offenses do not meet the statutory or
accusatory pleadings tests. Even if they did, the error is of no consequence. The lesser
offenses are not supported by the evidence.
               A trial court has a sua sponte duty to instruct on all necessarily included
offenses supported by the evidence. (People v. Breverman (1998) 19 Cal. 4th 142, 148-
149.) This duty prevents either party from presenting the jury with an "'unwarranted all-
or-nothing choice'" and encourages a verdict no harsher or more lenient than the evidence
merits. (Id. at p. 155.) When conspiracy is charged, the jury must be instructed on lesser
included offenses that could reasonably be true objects of the conspiracy. (People v.
Fenenbock (1996) 46 Cal. App. 4th 1688, 1706.) A lesser offense is included in a greater

                                              9
offense if either the statutory elements of the greater offense, or the facts actually alleged
in the accusatory pleading, include all the elements of the lesser offense, such that the
greater cannot be committed without also committing the lesser. (People v. Smith (2013)
57 Cal. 4th 232, 244.) An instruction on a lesser included offense should only be given if
there is substantial evidence that the defendant committed the lesser offense without also
committing the greater. (Ibid.)
              The statutory test is not satisfied because the elements of conspiracy to
murder do not include assault. The accusatory pleading test is not satisfied because the
facts alleged did not necessarily include assault. The alleged conspiracy to murder could
have been committed without assault if, for example, Matthew and Ramirez "entered
[the] van," and "drove to the location where the victim lived," but stayed in the van while
a non-conspirator killed Ziehler (e.g., a resident of the Aztec house). (See People v.
Parson (2008) 44 Cal. 4th 332, 349 [assault is not a lesser included offense of robbery by
force or fear because robbery by force or fear may be committed without actual force].)
Ramirez argued that he stayed in the van, and Matthew argued that someone else could
have killed Ziehler.
              The information alleged assault as one of seven alternative overt acts. But
overt acts should not be considered when applying the accusatory pleading rule. (People
v. Fenenbock, supra, 46 Cal. App. 4th 1688, 1707.) Similarly, firearm use enhancements
are not considered when determining lesser included offenses. (People v. Bragg (2008)
161 Cal. App. 4th 1385, 1398.)
              There is split authority whether overt acts should be considered when
applying the accusatory pleadings test, but we adopt the view most consistent with the
accusatory pleading rule. (Cf. People v. Fenenbock, supra, 46 Cal. App. 4th 1688, 1707;
People v. Cook (2001) 91 Cal. App. 4th 910, 918.) In Fenenbock, the trial court properly
refused to instruct on conspiracy to commit assault as a lesser included offense of
conspiracy to commit first degree murder. Although assault was alleged as an overt act,
the court held that overt acts should not be considered when determining whether the
allegations included a lesser target offense. "[A]llegations of overt acts committed in

                                              10
furtherance of the alleged conspiracy do not provide notice of lesser included target
offenses." (Fenenbock, at p. 1708.) Conversely, in Cook, the court upheld a trial court's
instruction on conspiracy to commit assault with a firearm as a lesser included offense of
conspiracy to commit murder. It considered the overt acts and concluded that the
defendant was charged with conspiracy to commit murder by means of assault with a
firearm and was therefore fairly put on notice of the lesser target offense. (Cook, at
p. 918.) In both cases, the courts affirmed the convictions.
              Failure to instruct sua sponte on a lesser included offense "is not subject to
reversal unless an examination of the entire record establishes a reasonable possibility
that the error affected the outcome." (People v. Breverman, supra, 19 Cal. 4th 142, 165.)
Even if we were persuaded by Cook that overt acts may allege a lesser target offense, the
trial court was under no sua sponte obligation to instruct on conspiracy to assault as a
lesser include offence to conspiracy to murder. Ziehler was killed according to a plan to
kill and under orders to kill, as the jury specifically found.
                    Instruction on Lesser Offenses to Murder (Matthew)
              Matthew contends the trial court had a sua sponte duty to instruct on
voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter, assault with a deadly weapon, and
simple assault as lesser included offenses to murder. We disagree because manslaughter
and simple assault were not supported by the evidence and assault with a deadly weapon
is not a lesser included offense to murder. (People v. Dixie (1979) 98 Cal. App. 3d 852,
856.)
              A trial court must sua sponte instruct the jury on lesser included offenses
when the evidence raises a question as to whether all of the elements of the charged
offense were present, but not when there is no evidence that the offense was less than that
charged. (People v. Barton (1995) 12 Cal. 4th 186, 194-195.)
              There was no evidence to support a voluntary manslaughter instruction
because there was no evidence that Matthew was provoked, that his passions were
aroused, or that he could have perceived any threat from a man who was bent over when

                                              11
Matthew shot him in the buttocks. Nothing rebuts the evidence of Matthew's deliberate
state of mind. (E.g., "And then as soon as he's verified, bam, he's got to go.")
              There was no evidence to support an involuntary manslaughter instruction
because Ziehler was not killed in commission of a lawful act or a non-felonious unlawful
act. He was killed by gunshots at close range.
              The evidence showed either that Matthew and Ramirez murdered Ziehler or
that someone else did. They also assaulted him, but there is no evidence that they only
assaulted him.
              Instructions on Third-Party Culpability (Matthew & Ramirez)
              Matthew and Ramirez contend the trial court should have granted
Matthew's request for an instruction on third-party culpability because Hurtado or
Gastelum may have participated in the crime. The claim is forfeited because Ramirez did
not raise it and Matthew's counsel conceded the instruction was not warranted. Counsel
was not ineffective because the instruction would unnecessarily duplicate the reasonable
doubt instruction and Hurtado's or Gastelum's culpability would not exonerate appellants.
              A third-party culpability instruction is a pinpoint instruction on a defense
theory of reasonable doubt. (People v. Hartsch (2010) 49 Cal. 4th 472, 504.) The trial
court is not required to give a pinpoint instruction that is argumentative or duplicates
other instructions. (Id. at p. 500.) Third party culpability instructions "add little to the
standard instruction on reasonable doubt." (Id. at p. 504.) "It is hardly a difficult concept
for the jury to grasp that acquittal is required if there is reasonable doubt as to whether
someone else committed the charged crimes." (Ibid.) Thus, "[e]ven if such instructions
properly pinpoint the theory of third party liability, their omission is not prejudicial
because the reasonable doubt instructions give defendants ample opportunity to impress
upon the jury that evidence of another party's liability must be considered in weighing
whether the prosecution has met its burden of proof." (Ibid.)
              Here, the evidence of third party participation does not even tend to
exonerate Matthew or Ramirez. Third parties also may have been culpable because there
was evidence Gastelum helped identify Ziehler, and Hurtado and Quintana tried to cover

                                              12
up the crime by moving Ziehler to the street and washing clothes. But there is no
evidence any of these third parties shot Ziehler or ordered his killing. Matthew's counsel
was allowed to argue that Hurtado and Gastelum participated in the murder. Third party
culpability is relevant only if its raises a doubt as to the defendant's guilt by linking the
third person to the actual perpetration of the crime. (People v. Lucas (2014) 60 Cal. 4th
153, 280, disapproved on another ground in People v. Romero and Self (2015) 62 Cal. 4th
1, 53, fn. 19.) The trial court properly refused the instruction.
            Substantial Evidence of Conspiracy to Commit Murder (Virginia)
              Substantial evidence supports Virginia's conviction for conspiracy to
commit murder. We review the whole record in the light most favorable to the judgment
to determine whether it contains evidence that is credible and of solid value from which a
rational trier of fact could have found the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
(People v. Hill (1998) 17 Cal. 4th 800, 848-849.) A conviction for conspiracy requires
proof the defendant and another person intended to agree to commit an offense, intended
to commit the elements of that offense, and commission of an overt act by one or more of
the parties to the agreement. (People v. Jurado (2006) 38 Cal. 4th 72, 120-121.)
              The jury's finding that the defendants intended to and agreed to kill the
victim and committed at least one overt act in furtherance of that agreement is supported
by substantial evidence. There was evidence Virginia "want[ed] that motherfucker
checked," and had been trying for four years to collect the debt Casper owed to the
Mexican Mafia. Virginia said if someone did not pay, she would track them down; and if
they would not listen to reason, "other actions" would be taken. The codefendants called
each other just before and after the murder. Virginia told Gastelum to help identify
Casper. Matthew, Ramirez, and Gastelum arrived at Casper's namesake's home soon
after Virginia's calls. They were armed. Ramirez looked at Casper before going back to
the van for Matthew. Matthew said, "Mom sent me" and "[A]s soon as he's verified,
bam, he's got to go." Virginia contends the charge was not established because "check"
can mean assault, and "'[w]here the proven facts give equal support to two inconsistent
inferences, neither is established.'" (People v. Tran (1996) 47 Cal.App.4th 759,772.) But

                                              13
Virginia's instruction to "check" Casper is only one piece of the substantial record, which,
viewed as a whole, supports the verdict.
                                      Marsden (Matthew)
                The trial court was not required to conduct a Marsden6 inquiry with respect
to Matthew because he did not clearly indicate he wanted a substitute attorney.
                If a defendant requests substitute counsel, the trial court is obligated,
pursuant to Marsden, to give the defendant an opportunity to state any grounds for
dissatisfaction with the current appointed attorney. (People v. Sanchez (2011) 53 Cal. 4th
80, 90.) If the defendant makes a showing during the Marsden hearing that his right to
counsel has been substantially impaired, substitute counsel must be appointed as attorney
of record for all purposes. (Ibid.) But a trial court is obligated to conduct a Marsden
hearing only when there is "'at least some clear indication by defendant,'" either
personally or through his current counsel, that he "'wants a substitute attorney.'" (Ibid.)
                Matthew did not clearly indicate that he wanted to substitute his attorney,
and his request to "'go pro per'" (which he later withdrew) did not trigger a duty to
conduct a Marsden inquiry. (People v. Crandell (1988) 46 Cal. 3d 833, 854-855 [a
request for self-representation does not trigger a duty to conduct a Marsden inquiry].)
                Shortly before trial was set to begin, Matthew's counsel informed the court
that Matthew "wishes to go pro per." The trial court advised against it, and Matthew
said, "I would like to enact my Faretta7 rights." The court pointed out that self-
representation was unrealistic because of the nature of the discovery, but gave Matthew
the "paperwork" for requesting self-representation, and said it would set the matter for
review on another date. Matthew said, "As long as it's been addressed and it's on the
record you know and hopefully we can resolve this that I don't have to go to that state of
my life to go pro per, you know." The court responded, "Okay. So are you making really
a request to go pro per? A Marsden?" Matthew replied, "Yes, at this point but at the
same time I don't want no more delays. If we can set a trial date in zero to 30 that would

6
    People v. Marsden (1970) 2 Cal. 3d 118.)
7
    Faretta v. California (1975) 422 U.S. 806.)
                                               14
be fine . . . . [W]hat I want the court to know now is I [have] been sitting in high power
custody for 21 months and I don't have nothing. . . . I don't have no paperwork. I don't
have nothing. No police reports anything that says me being charged of my crimes."
This response was contradictory. The court asked for clarification: "Maybe you are
making a Marsden motion. I don't know. I can't tell." Matthew did not express any
concerns about his current counsel. Instead he responded, "I want to see this case heard.
That's what I want." The court asked if he agreed to put the trial "over to a new zero of
30 date" if it goes to trial within that 30-day period. He said, "That's what I'm trying to
say." Matthew's counsel said, "My client would like to come back." The court said, "To
deal with the request as to pro per status and other issues, okay." The court ordered
Matthew to come back in six days.
               At the next appearance, Matthew withdrew his request to represent himself.
Counsel announced, "[M]y client is not asking to go pro per at this time. He's had some
time to think about it. . . . [H]e does not want to at this time so we will be continuing on
and I will do my best to be . . ready for trial." The court said to Matthew, "[T]hat's
fine. . . . I think you made the right decision."
               Matthew did not complain about counsel, despite the trial court's invitations
to clarify his request. His statement that he had received no papers might imply
dissatisfaction, but it is not a "clear indication" sufficient to trigger the court's duty.
(People v. Sanchez, supra, 53 Cal. 4th 80, 90.)
                             Motion for Continuance (Matthew)
               Matthew contends the trial court erred when it denied his request to
continue trial a second time so he could obtain full "C" prison files to determine whether
Ziehler was an associate of the Mexican Mafia. He argues that this information might
have disproved motive by showing that Ziehler was the victim of infighting among
Mexican Mafia at the Aztec house. The trial court did not abuse its discretion when it
denied the motion and Matthew demonstrates no prejudice.
               The trial court initially set trial for November 2013, but the court granted
Matthew's first request to continue it on December 4, the day after voir dire ended. His

                                               15
request was based on new information (gang validation packages) that showed Ziehler
was an un-validated "Mexican Mafia" associate. The court excused the jury and set a
new trial date for January 21, 2014. It said the new information could be relevant to
impeach the prosecution's theory on motive.
              On December 27, Matthew moved again to continue trial on the ground he
needed more time to obtain complete and unredacted C-files and to learn whether Ziehler
had ever been housed with Matthew. The trial court denied his request and granted a
motion to quash. It expressed privacy concerns and said that Matthew did not
demonstrate "what [he thought was] in these files [was] going to be at all beneficial." It
said that review of the 1,300 pages of C-files would take months and would be "an
unfettered fishing expedition." The court said, "[T]his case is already two years old and I
agree it was not a surprise that this was a Mexican Mafia case."
              The trial court acted within its discretion when it denied the motion.
Counsel did not demonstrate good cause or the exercise of due diligence in preparing for
trial on the issue of Ziehler's affiliation with the Mexican Mafia. Matthew does not
demonstrate that the lack of diligence was ineffective assistance. He does not
demonstrate that the decision not to pursue the C-files earlier fell below an objective
standard of reasonableness, or a reasonable probability that, but for such errors, he would
have achieved a more favorable result. (Strickland v. Washington (1984) 466 U.S. 668,
688, 694.) The C-files had only remotely possible probative value. It does not appear the
outcome would have been any more favorable if the jury heard any evidence that Ziehler
was associated with the Mexican Mafia, in addition to the San Fer gang.
                               Expert Testimony (Matthew)
              Matthew contends the trial court should have sustained objections to the
"case-specific hearsay basis" of Enriquez's opinions about Virginia's gang status and to
an "unduly detailed mirroring hypothetical[]." Alternatively, he contends that the court
should have given a limiting instruction. His contentions lack merit.
              The trial court did not abuse its discretion when it allowed Enriquez to
testify that Virginia is a secretary for a Mexican Mafia leader based on intercepted

                                             16
communications and his experience as a Mexican Mafia member. We will not disturb the
court's wide discretion to admit or exclude expert testimony unless abuse of discretion
results in a miscarriage of justice. (People v. Robinson (2005) 37 Cal. 4th 592, 630.) A
qualified expert may testify about criminal street gangs if the testimony is relevant.
(Evid. Code, § 801; People v. Gonzalez (2006) 38 Cal. 4th 932, 944.) A trial court should
exercise caution when an expert relies on hearsay evidence that is case specific. (People
v. Gardeley (1996) 14 Cal. 4th 605, 619.) The trial court properly exercised its discretion
to control the testimony to prevent the jury from learning of incompetent hearsay when it
precluded any reference to the substance of the recordings. (People v. Price (1991) 1
Cal. 4th 324, 416.) Enriquez' opinion was highly probative on the question of whether the
murder was committed at the direction of a street gang. The court did not abuse its
discretion under Evidence Code section 352 when it admitted it.
              The trial court did not abuse its discretion when it allowed a hypothetical
that mirrored the facts of the case. A gang expert may render an opinion on the basis of
facts given in a hypothetical, as long as those facts are rooted in facts shown by the
evidence. (People v. Gardeley, supra, 14 Cal. 4th 605, 618.) "It is required, not
prohibited, that hypothetical questions be based on the evidence. The questioner is not
required to disguise the fact the questions are based on that evidence." (People v. Vang
(2011) 52 Cal. 4th 1038, 1041.)
             Sentencing - Gang Enhancements (Matthew, Ramirez, Virginia)
              The trial court erred when it imposed a 15-year minimum period for parole
eligibility (§ 186.22, subd. (b)(5)) in addition to a gang-principal firearm enhancement
(§ 12022.53, subds. (d) & (e)), because the prosecutor did not charge or prove that any
defendant personally used a firearm.
              When certain offenses such as murder are committed on behalf of a street
gang, each principal is subject to an enhancement for gun use if any principal discharged
or used a firearm in commission of the offense. (§ 12022.53, subds. (b), (d) & (e)(2).)
But they are not also subject to an enhancement for participation in a criminal street gang
(§ 186.20 et seq.) unless they personally used or discharged the firearm. (§ 12022.53,

                                             17
subd. (e)(2) ["An enhancement for participation in a criminal street gang pursuant to
[section 186.20 et seq.] shall not be imposed on a person in addition to an enhancement
imposed pursuant to [§ 12022.53, subdivision (e)], unless the person personally used or
personally discharged a firearm in the commission of the offense"]; People v. Brookfield
(2009) 47 Cal. 4th 583, 590.) The existence of any fact required by section 12022.53,
subdivision (b), (c) or (d) "must be alleged and either admitted or proved." (§ 12022.53,
subd. (j); People v. Salas (2001) 89 Cal. App. 4th 1275, 1281-1282.)
               The prosecution pled and proved that Matthew [and Ramirez] possessed a
firearm (§ 12021, subd. (a)(1)), that a principal to the murder and the conspiracy
personally and intentionally discharged a handgun causing death (§ 12022.53, subds. (d)
& (e)(1)), and that the co-conspirators "armed themselves with firearms," and "shot and
killed the victim," in furtherance of the conspiracy to murder (§ 182, subd. (a)(1)). But
the jury was not asked to find whether Matthew or Ramirez personally used a firearm.
Imposition of the 15-year parole eligibility requirement pursuant to section 186.22,
subdivision (b)(5) must be vacated.
                   Sentencing - Abstract Correction (Virginia, Matthew)
               The abstract of judgment against Virginia incorrectly shows that her
sentence was imposed pursuant to the Three Strikes law. It identifies "PC 667(b)-(i) or
PC 1170.12." No prior strikes were pled or proven against Virginia. The abstract must
be corrected to eliminate the reference to the Three Strikes law.
               The trial court ordered that liability for victim restitution would be joint and
several. (§ 1202.4, subd. (f); People v. Neely (2009) 176 Cal. App. 4th 787, 800.) The
abstract of judgment should be corrected to clarify that the defendants' liability for victim
restitution is joint and several.
               The abstract of judgment correctly identified subdivision (d) of section
12022.53 in connection with the sentence of 25 years to life for count 1. The abstract
need not be corrected to also identify section 12022.53, subdivision (e)(1), which does
not identify the applicable term of commitment.

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                                        DISPOSITION
              We vacate the imposition of a 15-year parole eligibility requirement
pursuant to section 186.22, subdivision (b)(5) with respect to Matthew Moor, Virginia
Moor and Arthur Ramirez. We order that the abstracts of judgment be corrected with
respect to all three defendants to show that liability for victim restitution is joint and
several. We further order that the abstract of judgment with respect to Virginia Moor be
corrected to eliminate the reference to "PC 667(b)-(i) or PC 1170.12." In all other
respects, the judgments are affirmed.
              NOT TO BE PUBLISHED.

                                            GILBERT, P.J.
We concur:

              YEGAN, J.

              PERREN, J.

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                                 Laura F. Priver, Judge

                         Superior Court County of Los Angeles

                          ______________________________

             Eric R. Larson, under appointment by the Court of Appeal, for Defendant
and Appellant Virginia Moor.
             Joseph Shipp, under appointment by the Court of Appeal, for Defendant
and Appellant Matthew Moor.
             Edward H. Schulman, under appointment by the Court of Appeal, for
Defendant and Appellant Arthur Ramirez.
             Kamala D. Harris, Attorney General, Gerald A. Engler, Chief Assistant
Attorney General, Lance E. Winters, Senior Assistant Attorney General, Steven D.
Matthews, Supervising Deputy Attorney General, Rama R. Maline, Deputy Attorney
General, for Plaintiff and Respondent.

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