People v. Delgado CA3 ( 2016 )

Filed 4/6/16 P. v. Delgado CA3
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED
California Rules of Court, rule 8.1115(a), prohibits courts and parties from citing or relying on opinions not certified for
publication or ordered published, except as specified by rule 8.1115(b). This opinion has not been certified for publication
or ordered published for purposes of rule 8.1115.
IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
THIRD APPELLATE DISTRICT
(Sacramento)
----
THE PEOPLE,
Plaintiff and Respondent, C071439
v. (Super. Ct. No. 11F01402)
FRANCISCO IGNACIO DELGADO et al., ORDER MODIFING OPINION
AND DENYING PETITION
Defendants and Appellants. FOR REHEARING
[NO CHANGE IN JUDGMENT]
THE COURT:
The opinion filed March 17, 2016, in the above cause is modified in the following
respects:
Delete the first paragraph appearing at the top of page 22 and replace it with the
following paragraph:
The evidence regarding Isidro-Ausencio’s gang moniker was not
merely cumulative, as he suggests. Several of the witnesses knew Isidro-
Ausencio by his gang moniker, “Sniper.” The investigation of the shooter
was based on information that “Sniper” was connected to the murders.
Moreover, the gang moniker was relevant as to motive and intent for the
1
murders as well as to the charged gang enhancements. Even so, this
evidence took up little time during trial. In short, the evidence of Isidro-
Ausencio’s gang moniker was highly relevant and not unduly prejudicial.
This modification does not change the judgment.
Appellant Isidro-Ausencio’s petition for rehearing is denied.
/s/ ,
BUTZ, Acting P.J.
/s/ ,
MAURO, J.
/s/ ,
HOCH, J.
2
Filed 3/17/16 P. v. Delgado CA3 (unmodified version)
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED
California Rules of Court, rule 8.1115(a), prohibits courts and parties from citing or relying on opinions not certified for
publication or ordered published, except as specified by rule 8.1115(b). This opinion has not been certified for publication
or ordered published for purposes of rule 8.1115.
IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
THIRD APPELLATE DISTRICT
(Sacramento)
----
THE PEOPLE,
Plaintiff and Respondent, C071439
v. (Super. Ct. No. 11F01402)
FRANCISCO IGNACIO DELGADO et al.,
Defendants and Appellants.
A trial involving separate juries culminated in the convictions of defendants
Francisco Ignacio Delgado and Saul Isidro-Ausencio for murdering three teenagers
during a drive-by shooting. Isidro-Ausencio’s jury found him guilty of three counts of
first degree murder (Pen. Code, § 187, subd. (a))1 and found true the allegations of
discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle, multiple murders, and personal discharge of
a firearm causing death (§§ 190.2, subds. (a)(3) & (a)(21), 12022.5, subd. (a), 12022.53,
subds. (b)-(e)). Isidro-Ausencio’s jury further found he committed the murders for the
1 Undesignated statutory references are to the Penal Code.
1
benefit of the Sureño criminal street gang. (§ 186.22, subd. (b)(1).) The trial court
sentenced Isidro-Ausencio to serve three consecutive terms of life in prison without the
possibility of parole plus 75 years to life for the firearm enhancements in addition to 16
years and 8 months for the gang enhancements.
Isidro-Ausencio contends (1) evidence of his gang moniker “Sniper” should have
been excluded as unduly prejudicial, (2) photographs of him with his family should have
been admitted as evidence of his good character, (3) the trial court erred in refusing his
request to modify the circumstantial evidence jury instructions, (4) his jury should have
been instructed on the lesser included offense of voluntary manslaughter, (5) denial of his
motion for a continuance of trial violated his federal and state due process rights, (6) the
cumulative impact of his claimed errors aggregate to reversible prejudice, and (7) the
consecutive gang enhancements must be stricken.
We conclude the trial court did not err in admitting evidence of Isidro-Ausencio’s
gang moniker because it was directly relevant to the issue of his identity as the shooter.
Isidro-Ausencio’s family photographs, by contrast, were properly excluded because they
were not relevant. The trial court properly instructed the jury on circumstantial evidence
with the standard CALCRIM instructions. The trial court correctly refused to instruct on
the offense of voluntary manslaughter because the heat of passion defense was
inapplicable for lack of any evidence showing provocation by the murder victims. The
trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying a continuance based on speculation by
Isidro-Ausencio’s trial attorney that additional exculpatory evidence might be found. For
lack of error, there was no prejudice to cumulate and require reversal of Isidro-
Ausencio’s convictions. As to the gang enhancements, we conclude the trial court erred
in imposing the 10-year sentence enhancement under section 186.22, subdivision (b)(1),
for each of Isidro-Ausencio’s special circumstance murders.
2
Accordingly, we modify the judgment as to Isidro-Ausencioto to strike the 10-year
enhancements imposed under section 186.22, subdivision (b)(1). As modified, we affirm
Isidro-Ausencio’s judgment.
Delgado’s jury found him guilty of three counts of first degree murder (§ 187,
subd. (a)) and found true the allegations of discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle
and multiple murders (§ 190.2, subds. (a)(3) & (a)(21)). The trial court sentenced
Delgado to serve three consecutive terms of life in prison without the possibility of
parole.
On appeal, Delgado contends his confession should have been suppressed because
he did not knowingly and intelligently waive his Miranda rights.2 We reject Delgado’s
challenge to the admission of his statements to the police. Substantial evidence supports
the trial court’s finding Delgado demonstrated sufficient command of the Spanish
language to refute his claims of defective waiver of his Miranda rights. We affirm the
judgment as to Delgado.
FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
Prosecution Evidence
In the afternoon of February 13, 2011, Ethan Amavizca watched as three African-
American males beat up Isidro-Ausencio at the entrance gate to an apartment complex
where Isidro-Ausencio and Delgado lived. The assault on Isidro-Ausencio lasted
approximately 40 to 50 seconds. Isidro-Ausencio got up from the ground and ran into his
apartment. While fleeing, Isidro-Ausencio dropped his cell phone. Amavizca picked up
the cell phone and kept it for a short time before turning it over to the police.
The three males who assaulted Isidro-Ausencio ran to their sport-utility vehicle
(SUV) and began driving away at high speed when Isidro-Ausencio came back onto the
2 Miranda v. Arizona (1966) 384 U.S. 436 [16 L. Ed. 2d 694] (Miranda).
3
scene with an AK-47 assault rifle. Isidro-Ausencio said, “putas” -- which means “bitch
in Spanish.”
Dr. James Malone was filling gasoline into a rental car when he saw Isidro-
Ausencio emerge from the apartment complex, aim an assault rifle toward the SUV, and
attempt to fire the weapon. Dr. Malone had served three tours of duty in war zones in the
United States Army Reserve and is “very familiar with weapons and handling of weapons
and use of weapons.” It appeared to Dr. Malone the assault rifle jammed on Isidro-
Ausencio. Isidro-Ausencio took about five seconds to clear the rifle before firing three or
four shots at the SUV. Dr. Malone observed Isidro-Ausencio “[s]eemed very focused,
but calm, not flustered at all.” Dr. Malone further testified that “he seemed very calm to
me, actually. I took note of that, somewhat surprising.”
Isidro-Ausencio ran back into the apartment complex. Shortly thereafter a two-
door vehicle “pulled out at a rapid rate of speed from the parking lot in a very similar
fashion that the SUV did, really high rate of speed . . . .” Isidro-Ausencio was in the car
with the AK-47. A young Hispanic male was in the passenger’s seat. Dr. Malone
reported the incident to the police and picked out two individuals from a “six-pack” photo
lineup. The individual Dr. Malone identified as most likely to be the shooter was Isidro-
Ausencio.
Shortly thereafter, Danielle Jamison was unloading groceries and her children
from her car in front of her house -- which was located about eight miles from the
apartment complex where Isidro-Ausencio had been beaten. Jamison noticed three boys -
- later identified as Jamir Miller, Richard Ward, and Robert Corpos -- riding by on their
bicycles. Jamison saw a Saturn car pull up alongside the three boys. Since it was a warm
day for February, Jamison “thought they were young boys in the car playing with the
water gun because I saw the car pull up as if they were going to wet them with water.”
The car pulled diagonally in front of the three boys, and one of the car’s passengers
pulled out a big black gun. Jamison heard three gunshots. She saw one of the boys, who
4
had ridden onto the grass of her property, fall down. She saw another boy fall to the
ground in the street. After Jamison fled into her house, she looked out to see the third
boy on his knees in the grass. She then observed that the Saturn pulled away “[v]ery
nonchalantly, just drove off.” Jamison thought there were either three people in the car
or two people and a hat that looked like a person. The people in the car appeared to be
very young and either Hispanic or Caucasian.
Jamison ran back outside where she found a boy in the grass screaming, “You got
to help us.” The second boy had made his way to the neighbor’s garage where he was
moaning, “help, help.” The boy in the street never moved. Jamison and her husband
immediately called the police.
A few minutes after the shooting, James Montgomery saw a dark green Saturn run
a stop sign on the street where the three boys had been shot. When Montgomery saw the
three young males lying in and near the street, he thought they had been run over by the
Saturn. Montgomery was a frequent visitor to the apartment complex at which Delgado
and Isidro-Ausencio lived, and Montgomery recognized the Saturn as belonging to one of
the residents at the complex. Every day, Montgomery saw the Hispanic driver of the
Saturn drop off another Hispanic male who lived in the apartment complex.
Richard Ward was pronounced dead at the scene. Robert Corpos and Jamir Miller
died shortly thereafter at the hospital. All three died of gunshot wounds inflicted by high-
velocity ammunition. No casings were found at the scene. Behind a tree, the police
found a .44 caliber revolver handgun with six live rounds that had been removed by a
bystander after the three victims had been shot. The revolver had been dropped by one of
the victims as he attempted to run for cover when the shooting started. The murder
weapon, however, was never recovered. Amavizca testified that none of the three
assailants who had beaten up Isidro-Ausencio at the apartment complex was Jamir Miller,
Richard Ward, or Robert Corpos.
5
Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department Detective Paul Belli responded to the
scene of the shooting. Based on the information Belli received at the scene, he began a
search for a green Saturn. Further investigation led to a connection between the car and
an Hispanic male with a gang moniker, Sniper. Belli also learned of a telephone number
connected to a person known by the police as Sniper. The telephone number was tied to
the cell phone dropped by Isidro-Ausencio at the time of the shooting and picked up by
Amavizca. Sniper was the gang moniker used by Isidro-Ausencio.
After the shootings, callers to the police department also identified the suspect and
another gang member, Jonathan Cruz, who was known by the gang moniker “Shrek.”
Cruz and Isidro-Ausencio look quite similar. When Detective Belli looked at the cell
phone recovered by Amavizca from the shooter, he saw it contained photos of a person
who resembled both Cruz and Isidro-Ausencio. However, when shown a photographic
lineup, Amavizca immediately identified Isidro-Ausencio as the person who had gotten
beaten up before retrieving the AK-47 and shooting at the departing SUV.
On February 19, 2011, the police seized the green Saturn and searched the
apartment in which Isidro-Ausencio lived. Isidro-Ausencio frequently borrowed the
green Saturn from his brother, to whom it belonged.
Isidro-Ausencio lived with his fiancée, Tatyana Kolosova, his young son,
Kolosova’s sister and her sister’s boyfriend, Anthony Velasco. Kolosova only knew
Velasco by the gang moniker “Cartoon.”3
In a drawer in the bedroom shared by Isidro-Ausencio and Kolosova, the police
found bullets matching the same caliber (7.62 by 39 millimeters) used to murder the three
victims. Detective Belli testified that Kolosova told him Isidro-Ausencio used to keep a
“large black rifle that he had stored at the apartment wrapped up in a black blanket. And
3 Another witness also identified Anthony Velasco by the gang moniker “Cartoon.”
6
that those larger bullets, meaning the rifle ammo, “the 7.62 by 39, belonged to that gun,
but she had asked him to remove it from the residence approximately a month prior” to
February 19, 2011. Along with the ammunition, the drawer contained photo
identification for Isidro-Ausencio.
In the same bedroom, police found a notebook containing many notations,
drawings, and writings relating to the Sureño gang. The notebook’s cover bore the words
“VSUT 13” and “Sniper.” (“SUT” is an abbreviation of Sureño Unidos Trece (SUT), a
subset of the Sureño gang as we explain post.) The letter “n” in Sniper had been crossed
out to indicate disrespect toward the Sureño’s rival gang, the Norteños. Photographs
found in the bedroom showed Isidro-Ausencio and others showing the gang sign for
SUT, which referred to the Sureño gang. Kolosova testified Isidro-Ausencio was a
former Sureño gang member. She acknowledged Isidro-Ausencio has several Sureño
gang tattoos. She also recounted Isidro-Ausencio and Delgado had grown up together.
The police also found a memory book made by Kolosova. It too contained
extensive writings and illustrations related to the Sureño gang. One page stated: “Carlos,
Southsider, Mr. Sureño, Baby Sniper, X3 and XIII.” “Carlos” and “Baby sniper,”
according to Kolosova, related to Isidro-Ausencio. The roman and arabic numerals
referred to the number associated with the Sureño gang.
Delgado and his wife lived in a downstairs apartment at the same complex as
Isidro-Ausencio and Kolosova. Delgado’s wife would sometimes watch Isidro-
Ausencio’s son. Kolosova knew Delgado by his moniker, “Spider.”
On February 19, 2011, the police arrested Isidro-Ausencio and Delgado. The
police interviewed Delgado in Spanish. Delgado waived his Miranda rights and gave a
detailed confession. Delgado explained he had been babysitting Isidro-Ausencio’s son on
the day of the shooting when Isidro-Ausencio came into the apartment. Isidro-Ausencio
said four African-American males had pulled him out of his car, beaten him up, and taken
his cell phone. The assailants said, “Puro Norte! Bloods!” Once inside the apartment,
7
Isidro-Ausencio asked Delgado for a baseball bat. Isidro-Ausencio and Delgado
attempted to drive after the assailants because they “were really angry.” However, the
assailants eluded Isidro-Ausencio on the freeway. When the police stated witnesses had
seen Isidro-Ausencio with a rifle, Delgado admitted he saw Isidro-Ausencio leave the
apartment with a rifle and believed the firearm was discharged. Isidro-Ausencio and
Delgado had the rifle and bat with them in the car as they pursued the assailants. After
they lost the assailants, Delgado took over driving from Isidro-Ausencio because Isidro-
Ausencio was very angry. Isidro-Ausencio and Delgado drove to an area “where all the
bloods and the black guys hang out.” Isidro-Ausencio fired four shots at the victims, at
which point he ran out of ammunition. To Delgado, African-Americans all looked the
same. After the shooting, Isidro-Ausencio did not say anything.
Delgado also explained he and Isidro-Ausencio had been attacked by African-
Americans in the past. Delgado had even been stabbed on one occasion. Delgado
admitted he and Isidro-Ausencio were members of the Sureño gang. When he first came
to the United States, he was told everyone from Mexico is a Southerner. Thus, Delgado
saw himself to “represent Mexico.”
Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Kevin Steed testified as an
expert on Hispanic street gangs. He described SUT as a validated subset of the Sureño
gang. SUT’s most common enemy is the Norteños, the northern Hispanic gang.
Sergeant Steed also described the various symbols with which members of the Sureño
gang identify. After contacting other law enforcement officials, Sergeant Steed learned
Isidro-Ausencio had at least five separate validations as a Sureño gang member.
Moreover, Isidro-Ausencio had previously admitted to the police that he was a Sureño
gang member. Sergeant Steed explained gangs view intrusions on their territory and lack
of deference by others as a sign of disrespect. Members of gangs such as the Sureños are
expected to retaliate with violence. Violent acts by gang members gain the respect of
fellow gang members. Consequently, Sergeant Steed opined retaliatory shootings and
8
murders, such as those committed in this case, are committed in furtherance and for the
benefit of the perpetrator’s gang.
Isidro-Ausencio’s Defense Evidence
Kolosova testified on behalf of Isidro-Ausencio, explaining a photo of Isidro-
Ausencio and his son -- which had been introduced into evidence -- was taken in 2008.
Kolosova denied ever telling Detective Belli about a “large black rifle.” She stated she
had felt threatened by Detective Belli because he yelled at her and threatened to take her
son away.
Delgado’s Defense Evidence
Delgado called Jennifer Trujillo, who testified that about a week after the shooting
she heard Velasco say he had been in the car with two others at the time of the shooting.
Velasco told Trujillo the shooting was gang-related. However, Velasco’s girlfriend,
Natalya Kolosova, testified he had been with her at home until 5:00 or 5:30 that evening.
Prosecution Rebuttal Evidence
The prosecution called Natalya Kolosova (Tatyana Kolosova’s sister), who
testified Velasco was with her at the time of the shootings until she left the house
between 5:00 and 5:30 p.m. Sergeant Steed testified that sometimes gang members claim
responsibility for others’ criminal acts in an attempt to gain respect. However, gang
members caught telling such lies would suffer “consequences.”
DISCUSSION
Appeal by Delgado
I
Delgado’s Miranda Rights Waiver
Delgado contends his taped confession was obtained in violation of his Miranda
rights, and its introduction at trial compels reversal. Specifically, Delgado argues that as
a native Nahuatl speaker, his Spanish speaking skills were too poor to understand the
Miranda advisements that were given in Spanish. We are not persuaded.
9
A.
Delgado’s Motion to Exclude his Statements
Before trial, Delgado moved to exclude his statements made to the police during a
custodial interview on grounds that “linguistic and cultural” issues prevented him from
making a voluntary, knowing, and intelligent waiver of his Miranda rights. The
prosecution opposed the motion, and submitted a written transcript of Delgado’s
interview. At the Evidence Code section 402 hearing, Delgado testified with the aid of
an interpreter who translated from Nahuatl to Spanish, and a second interpreter who
interpreted from Spanish to English. Delgado stated he was 21 years old and had come to
the United States from Mexico five years earlier. Delgado grew up in a small town and
spoke Nahuatl as his primary language. He stated he speaks “a little” Spanish and “very
little” English. Delgado had never been arrested before this case.
When the police officers advised him of his rights at the police station, he did not
understand them even though he indicated he did due to his fear of the officers. In his
hometown, Delgado’s uncle was hit by the police after saying “no” to them. The police
never asked Delgado if Spanish was his best language, and he was afraid to ask for a
Nahuatl interpreter.
The prosecution called Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Ruben
Pena, who testified he is a native Spanish speaker. Deputy Pena spoke in Spanish with
Delgado during the interview. During the interview, Delgado was calm and responded in
Spanish and even a few times in English. Deputy Pena also authenticated a videotape of
the interview the trial court viewed.
The trial court denied Delgado’s motion to exclude, and made the following
findings:
“At the time of the interview, [defendant] Delgado was 20 years old. He had a
very limited formal education. He grew up in a small village in Mexico. His first
language was Nahuatl. He has lived in the United States for over five years. He has had
10
prior police contact when he was a juvenile where he discussed with officers his
knowledge of the Sureños gang. He speaks Spanish with his wife, his girlfriend, and
members of the Sureños gang. And he spoke Spanish with the police officers in the prior
contact.
“The DVD that has been marked Court’s [exhibit] 1 containing both the video and
audio recording of the interview, including the waiver, speaks for itself. But the Court
makes the following observations:
“During the giving of the Miranda waivers and the entirety of more than an hour
interview, [defendant Delgado] never appeared confused or not to understand the
question posed, or Deputy Pena’s Spanish. [Defendant] Delgado responded in Spanish
without hesitation, and appeared to speak Spanish with ease and fluency. It was clear
that at certain points [Defendant] Delgado understood the English spoken by Deputy
Pena and Detective Turnbull.
“Several times he spoke English to clarify a point. Just as an example, on page 72,
line 9, detective Turnbull says, ‘Where was the car?’ [Defendant] Delgado responds
‘pasando’ before that was translated, but he respond[s] in Spanish here in court. [¶] . . .
[¶]
“. . . Defendant [Delgado]’s demeanor throughout the interview is relaxed, calm,
and poised. He took naps in between breaks. Almost every time the officers left, and I
believe this occurred more than twice, he gets on the floor, sprawls out on his back, legs
straight out to sleep. At no point during the interview does [defendant] Delgado appear
particularly emotional, distraught or scared. When asked if Spanish would help, he
responded, ‘Si, esta bien,’ or in English, Yes, good. That’s on page 11 of the transcript
which is Court’s [Exhibit] 1-A.
“Deputy Pena read the Miranda rights verbatim to defendant [Delgado] in
Spanish. And the defendant stated he understood by both verbally responding yes, or si,
and physically nodding his head yes after each right was read to him. That is contained
11
starting on page 16 where Deputy Pena first tells him, ‘We want to let you know, because
you’re under arrest, you are not free to leave. We need to let you know your rights.’ He
later says, line 20, ‘So, I’m going to tell you your rights. Okay? And when I speak to
you, if you can tell yes or no if you understand. Okay?’
“So here Deputy Pena specifically tells defendant [Delgado] he can either say yes
or no. The defendant nods at that point, after which Deputy Pena proceeds to say, ‘You
have the right to remain silent. You understand?’ [D]efendant [Delgado] says, ‘Si’ and
nods.
“Deputy Pena asks, ‘Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court
of justice. Do you understand?’ Defendant [Delgado] says, ‘Si,’ or yes.
“Deputy Pena goes on to say, ‘You have the right to an attorney and having an
attorney present before and during an interrogation. Do you understand?’
Defendant[Delgado] says, ‘Si,’ or yes, and nods.
“Deputy Pena says, ‘If you cannot afford to pay for an attorney, one will be
assigned to you at no cost to represent you before and after the interrogation if you wish.
Do you understand?’ The defendant says, ‘Si,’ or yes.
“And then Deputy Pena says, ‘Do you understand all the rights I have just
explained?’ Without hesitation, the defendant says, ‘Si,’ or yes in English.
“Defendant testified that he knew he would get in . . . trouble. And in the
beginning of the interview, he did not tell the truth, his version did change, and when he
was confronted with specific evidence, then did he admit to the shooting.
“Both his testimony about his mental state and his initial false statements show
that the defendant had an understanding -- at least some understanding of the
consequences of waiving his rights and making a statement.
“He never asks for a Nahuatl interpreter. He never indicated he had any trouble
understanding the Spanish. And his answers were responsive to the questions asked,
showing that he understands the questions.
12
“The Court makes specific credibility findings related to this hearing, and that is,
Deputy Pena was credible and his statements were corroborated by what the Court
observed firsthand on the DVD. Where there’s a conflict between Deputy Pena’s
statement and the defendant’s statement, the Court finds Deputy Pena to be the credible
witness.
“The Court finds the defendant was not an entirely credible witness during this
hearing, as some of the things he stated were in conflict with what the Court saw on the
DVD. Furthermore, the defendant was evasive and not responsive, it appears, when it
suited him during the hearing.”
B.
Waiver of Miranda Rights
The Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution require
that “custodial interrogation be preceded by advice to the putative defendant that he [or
she] has the right to remain silent and also the right to the presence of an attorney.”
(Edwards v. Arizona (1981) 451 U.S. 477, 481-482 [68 L. Ed. 2d 378], citing Miranda v.
Arizona, supra, 384 U.S., at 479.) “If the accused indicates that he [or she] wishes to
remain silent, ‘the interrogation must cease.’ If he [or she] requests counsel, ‘the
interrogation must cease until an attorney is present.’ ” (Edwards v. Arizona, at p. 482.)
However, these rights may be knowingly and intelligently waived. (Ibid.) “The waiver
must be ‘voluntary in the sense that it was the product of a free and deliberate choice
rather than intimidation, coercion, or deception.’ (Moran v. Burbine (1986) 475 U.S.
412, 421, 89 L. Ed. 2d 410), and knowing in the sense that it was ‘made with a full
awareness of both the nature of the right being abandoned and the consequences of the
decision to abandon it.’ (Ibid.)” (People v. Sauceda-Contreras (2012) 55 Cal. 4th 203,
219.)
The question of whether an accused has given a knowing and intelligent waiver is
“‘a matter which depends in each case “upon the particular facts and circumstances
13
surrounding that case, including the background, experience, and conduct of the
accused.”’” (Edwards v. Arizona (1981) 451 U.S. 477, 482.) “The requirement that a
defendant ‘knowingly and intelligently’ waive his [or her] Miranda rights ‘implies a
rational choice based upon some appreciation of the consequences of the decision.’”
(United States v. Garibay (9th Cir.1998) 143 F.3d 534, 540 (Garibay) quoting Cooper v.
Griffin (5th Cir.1972) 455 F.2d 1142, 1144–1145.)
When the accused asserts lingual or cultural differences that prevented a knowing
and intelligent waiver of Miranda rights, we examine the record to determine whether the
accused understood the nature of the rights being waived. For example, the defendant in
United States v. Martinez (9th Cir. 1978) 588 F.2d 1227 (Martinez) challenged the waiver
of his Miranda rights on grounds that included his being advised in Mexican-accented
Spanish even though he only understood Cuban-accented Spanish. (Id. at p. 1234-1235.)
The Martinez court rejected the challenge, noting the “corroborated testimony given at
the suppression hearing to the effect that appellant appeared to understand the Miranda
warnings as they were read to him.” (Id. at p. 1235.) Moreover, defendant’s “contention
that he did not understand the dialect in which the warnings were read to him [was]
seriously weakened by the fact that he continued to converse in Spanish with the officer
who had read him the warnings, and it was in the course of that conversation that the
inculpatory statements were made.” (Ibid.)
Similarly, a claim of involuntary waiver of Miranda rights based on a language
barrier was rejected in Campaneria v. Reid (2d Cir. 1989) 891 F.2d 1014 (Campaneria).
In Campaneria, defendant claimed “that, because of his poor grasp of English and the
confusing circumstances surrounding the questioning, he did not understand the Miranda
warnings when they were given to him and therefore did not effectively waive his
privilege against self-incrimination.” (Id. at p. 1020.) The defendant was a native
Spanish speaker who had been advised of his rights in English. Nonetheless, the
Campaneria court concluded the waiver was valid because “the record, and in particular
14
the transcript of the recorded interview, reveals that, although he spoke in broken English
with an accent and occasionally lapsed into Spanish, his command of English was
sufficient for him to have understood the Miranda warnings given to him.” (Ibid.)
Likewise, a waiver given by a native Spanish speaker after being advised of his
Miranda rights in English was held valid in United States v. Lugo (10th Cir. 1999) 170
F.3d 996 (Lugo). Although the defendant received only a ninth-grade education and
principally spoke Spanish, “his responses to [the officer’s] questions demonstrated
sufficient understanding of the English language for purposes of the interrogation.” (Id.
at p. 1004.) In support of this conclusion, the Lugo court noted the defendant “was
neither threatened with nor subjected to any physical punishment.” (Id. at p. 1005.) In
short, a Miranda waiver must be knowing and intelligent (Miranda, supra, 384 U.S. at p.
475), but need not be in the accused’s first language or even a language that he or she
speaks well. (Campaneria, supra, 891 F.2d at p. 1235; Martinez, supra, 588 F.2d at p.
1020; Lugo, supra, 170 F.3d at pp. 1004-1005.)
The issue of a defendant’s language abilities and understanding of the Miranda
advisement presents a question of fact for determination by the trial court. Thus, when
we review “defendant’s claim that his [or her] Miranda rights were violated, we must
accept the trial court’s resolution of disputed facts and inferences, as well as its
evaluation of the credibility of witnesses where supported by substantial evidence.
(People v. Whitson (1998) 17 Cal. 4th 229, 248 (Whitson); People v. Wash (1993) 6
Cal. 4th 215, 235–236.)” (People v. Cruz (2008) 44 Cal. 4th 636, 667.) “We uphold the
trial court’s findings on the sufficiency of a foreign language Miranda advisement if
supported by the record.” (People v. Marquez (1992) 1 Cal. 4th 553, 570.)
C.
Delgado’s Waiver and Subsequent Statements
The record supports the trial court’s finding Delgado knowingly and intelligently
waived his Miranda rights. We note the trial court expressly found Delgado’s testimony
15
at the Evidence Code section 402 hearing not to have been credible. By contrast, Deputy
Pena’s testimony was found to be credible. Thus, the trial court credited Deputy Pena’s
assertions that Delgado understood his Miranda rights and waived them without
coercion. The transcript and video recording of the interview with Delgado support these
findings.
The record shows Deputy Pena advised Delgado of his Miranda rights in Spanish.
Delgado indicated he understood the advisement of Miranda rights.4 The record also
supports the trial court’s finding Delgado understood and was able to communicate
effectively with Deputy Pena. The transcript shows Delgado answered open-ended
questions with appropriate answers in Spanish. Delgado’s answers were responsive and
articulate. The video confirms the trial court’s finding of Delgado’s ability to
communicate in Spanish. Delgado showed no lag in comprehending Deputy Pena’s
questions, and expressed himself fluidly and -- at times -- at quite some length in
Spanish. Not only was Delgado able to answer in Spanish, but he even indicated he
understood a little English when he stated, “I understand a little, but I cannot speak.” The
video confirms he sometimes seemed able to understand questions posed in English
before the translation into Spanish even began. Given the fluency Delgado demonstrated
in providing responsive answers to the questions, the record amply supports the trial
court’s findings Delgado understood and spoke Spanish competently.
The transcript and video recording clearly show Delgado was advised of his
Miranda rights, indicated he understood his rights, and waived them. The trial court
found Delgado’s waiver was knowing and intelligent. We conclude the totality of the
circumstances supports the finding Delgado understood the nature and consequences of
4 In recounting Delgado’s answers to the officers’ questioning during the custodial
interview, we rely on the English translation of Delgado’s statements provided in the
transcript of the interview.
16
his rights when he waived them. Delgado’s waiver was not tainted by lack of
understanding. Thus, we reject Delgado’s reliance on Garibay, supra, 143 F.3d 534. In
Garibay, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals found a defendant with little English-
speaking ability and low mental capacity did not waive his Miranda rights in a knowing
and intelligent manner. (Id. at p. 537.) The officer in Garibay simply assumed the
defendant would understand a Miranda advisement in English even though the officer
“admitted that he had to rephrase questions when Garibay did not seem to comprehend
what was said to him.” (Id. at p. 537.) Here, the interview of Delgado was conducted in
Spanish -- a language with which Delgado displayed proficiency. Delgado’s responsive
answers throughout the questioning stand in marked contrast to Garibay’s difficulty in
comprehending his questioning.
In sum, we conclude the trial court’s finding of a knowing and intelligent waiver
of Miranda rights was supported by the transcript and video recording of Delgado’s
custodial interview. Accordingly, the trial court did not err in denying Delgado’s motion
to exclude the evidence of his custodial interview from being admitted at trial.
Appeal by Isidro-Ausencio
II
Admission of Isidro-Ausencio’s Gang Moniker “Sniper”
Isidro-Ausencio contends the trial court erred in admitting evidence of his gang
moniker, “Sniper.” He argues the gang moniker was inflammatory and likely used by the
jury as evidence of criminal disposition to shoot people. We reject the argument.
A.
Motion to Exclude Evidence Concerning Isidro-Ausencio’s Gang Moniker
Before the start of trial, Isidro-Ausencio moved to exclude evidence of his gang
moniker on grounds it prejudicially showed disposition to commit a firearm-related
crime. The prosecutor opposed the motion, arguing identity was an issue at trial and
some witnesses knew Isidro-Ausencio only as “Sniper.” The prosecutor further argued
17
the gang moniker was not impermissible character evidence or unduly prejudicial
compared to the charged murders. The trial court denied the motion, and explained:
“Applying the cases cited by both counsel and engaging in the [Evidence Code
section 3525] analysis, the Court finds that the evidence concerning the defendant’s
moniker in the instant case is highly probative. I expect the evidence to show that the
defendant knew that his moniker was Sniper, did not stop people from referring to him by
that name, and as in Leon,[6] with the gang expert’s testimony explaining the significance
of the defendant’s moniker, it would show the defendant was, as in that case, where
defendant was advertising his intent to model himself after a killer do[ll], the defendant
was advertising his intent to model himself after a sniper. The moniker Sniper cannot be
said to be, I don’t think necessarily any more prejudicial than the name of a homicidal
maniacal doll that slashes people indiscriminately as in the case involving Leon.
“The cases are clear that this evidence is deemed to be probative as to the
defendant’s motive and intent as well as gang affiliation. The fact that the defendant’s
moniker, Sniper, versus Pollo makes it more prejudicial, but it also makes it more
probative. And the Court cannot say that the moniker is any more inflammatory than
what I understand the alleged facts surrounding the charged offense to be.
“I also haven’t heard anything that would concern the Court about undue
consumption of time in presentation of this evidence. It is not being admitted to show
that the defendant has a propensity or prejudice to commit this crime. And to address
your concern, given the specific facts of this case, that the jury would misuse the
5 Evidence Code section 352 provides: “The court in its discretion may exclude
evidence if its probative value is substantially outweighed by the probability that its
admission will (a) necessitate undue consumption of time or (b) create substantial danger
of undue prejudice, of confusing the issues, or of misleading the jury.”
6 People v. Leon (2010) 181 Cal. App. 4th 452 (Leon).
18
evidence for that purpose, I would advise you to draft a limiting instruction for the Court
to give to the jury regarding this evidence.
“But after having done the 352 analysis and applying the cases to this evidence,
the Court finds the probative value is not substantially outweighed by the probability that
its admission would, A, necessitate undue consumption of time, or B, create a substantial
danger of undue prejudice, confusing the issues or misleading the jury.”
The trial court also ordered the prosecution’s gang expert not to opine the gang
moniker was based on past conduct by Isidro-Ausencio.
B.
Admissibility of Gang Evidence
Consistent with the general rule regarding admissibility of evidence, “[g]ang
evidence is admissible if it is logically relevant to some material issue in the case other
than character evidence, is not more prejudicial than probative, and is not cumulative.”
(People v. Avitia (2005) 127 Cal. App. 4th 185, 192 (Avitia) [collecting authority].)
Moreover, “[g]ang evidence is relevant and admissible when the very reason for the
underlying crime, that is the motive, is gang related. (See, e.g., People v. Frausto (1982)
135 Cal. App. 3d 129, 140 [motive].) ‘ “[B]ecause a motive is ordinarily the incentive for
criminal behavior, its probative value generally exceeds its prejudicial effect, and wide
latitude is permitted in admitting evidence of its existence.” [Citations.]’ ” (People v.
Samaniego (2009) 172 Cal. App. 4th 1148, 1167-1168, quoting in part People v. Gonzalez
(2005) 126 Cal. App. 4th 1539, 1550.)
Evidence concerning a defendant’s gang moniker may be admitted as relevant to
any disputed issue of fact, including identity, motive, opportunity, intent, preparation,
plan, knowledge, and absence of mistake or accident. (Leon, supra, 181 Cal.App.4th at
p. 461.) The Leon court affirmed the admission of evidence the defendant used the gang
moniker “Chucky” to refer to a homicidal doll in movies that indiscriminately killed
people. (Id. at p. 462.) The Leon court rejected a contention the gang moniker evidence
19
was unduly prejudicial. Leon notes, “Evidence cannot be excluded merely because it is
prejudicial. ‘Virtually all evidence is prejudicial or it isn’t material.’ (Dollar v. Long
Mfg., N.C., Inc. (5th Cir.1977) 561 F.2d 613, 618.) Pursuant to section 352, evidence can
be excluded only if it is unduly prejudicial so as to outweigh its probative value.” (Leon,
at p. 460.)
As to the comparison of prejudicial and probative value of the Chucky gang
moniker, the Leon court explained: “The Chucky doll evidence had a tendency in reason
to prove that, when appellant shot at the [other car], he acted with the specific intent to
kill and with both premeditation and deliberation. The evidence showed that appellant
knew his moniker was derived from the Chucky doll and that he took pride in the
derivation. In the movies the Chucky doll is a ‘homicidal doll’ that ‘comes to life’ and
‘goes about slashing people.’ It is reasonable to infer that appellant wanted to emulate
the Chucky doll’s exploits and show his fellow gang members that his moniker was well-
warranted since he, like the Chucky doll, was also a killer. In the world of criminal street
gangs, appellant’s moniker was a badge of honor because it connoted extreme violence.
A gang expert testified that for gang members respect is ‘almost everything,’ and respect
is based on a member’s ‘level of violence.’ ” (Leon, supra, 181 Cal.App.4th at p. 461.)
In reviewing a claim of prejudicial error in the admission of evidence concerning a
defendant’s gang moniker, we consider whether the trial court abused its discretion.
(People v. Carter (2003) 30 Cal. 4th 1166, 1194.) “ ‘A trial court’s discretionary ruling
under this statute “ ‘must not be disturbed on appeal except on a showing that the court
exercised its discretion in an arbitrary, capricious or patently absurd manner that resulted
in a manifest miscarriage of justice. [Citations.]’ ” [Citation.]’ (People v. Williams
(2008) 43 Cal. 4th 584, 634–635.)” (Leon, supra, 181 Cal.App.4th at p. 460.)
20
C.
Admission of Isidro-Ausencio’s Gang Moniker
The trial court properly admitted evidence regarding Isidro-Ausencio’s gang
moniker because the evidence was highly probative and not unduly prejudicial. The
prosecution had the burden of proving Isidro-Ausencio committed the murders for the
benefit of a street gang. The fact Isidro-Ausencio had a gang moniker by which he was
known and he claimed as his own in his notebook was highly probative as to his gang
participation. As Sergeant Steed explained, “A moniker for criminal street gang
members potentially means a couple of things. One, it’s a way of identifying themselves
to remain elusive from law enforcement, making it more difficult for us to identify them.
Sometimes if people just refer to themselves, or other gang members refer to them, it’s
difficult for us, as investigators, to identify who they are. [¶] . . . [¶] Another way of
getting monikers is by the criminal acts in which you commit, you’re proficient at. If
you’re a good thief, they may call you The Thief. But generally speaking, their monikers
are given to them by other gang members or they’re developed themselves by the
criminal acts that they commit, and they’ll nickname them after those crimes.”
As in Leon, the gang moniker was highly probative in showing Isidro-Ausencio’s
claim to respect in the Sureño gang. As the prosecution’s gang expert noted, gang
members seek to increase the status of their gang by committing violent acts and
instilling fear on the community. Isidro-Ausencio’s gang moniker claimed a murderous
ability that the prosecution was entitled to show. As the Leon court explained, “A
defendant charged with committing a crime for the benefit of a criminal street gang has
no entitlement to an antiseptic portrayal of himself [or herself]. If he [or she] elects to
portray himself [or herself] as a killer before he [or she] commits a murder, he [or she]
should not be able to have what is tantamount to a ‘name change’ thereafter.” (Leon,
supra, 181 Cal.App.4th. at p. 462.)
21
The gang moniker was also key in connecting Isidro-Ausencio to the shootings for
which he was charged. The identity of the shooter was a central issue at trial. During his
custodial interview, Delgado referred to the shooter as “Sniper.” The moniker was highly
probative as to the central issue of the case: who fired the high-power rifle that killed the
three victims. Based on the key role the gang moniker played in connecting Isidro-
Ausencio to the charged murders, we reject his suggestion this evidence was merely
cumulative.
Contrary to Isidro-Ausencio’s assertion of undue prejudice, we -- like the Leon
court -- conclude the admission of the gang moniker evidence “ ‘paled in comparison to
the testimony concerning the actual shooting.’ ” (Leon, supra, 181 Cal.App.4th. at p.
462.) In this case, the evidence showed three victims were shot with a high-power rifle.
The victims were not part of the attack on Isidro-Ausencio, yet lay moaning and suffering
in the street before they died of their wounds. In comparison, the gang moniker
testimony was not unduly prejudicial.
We reject Isidro-Ausencio’s reliance on People v. Humiston (1993) 20
Cal. App. 4th 460 (Humiston). Humiston involved the admission of testimony that the
defendant used “187” to identify herself when communicating by pager with her
boyfriend. (Id. at pp. 466-467, 480.) Defendant’s trial attorney, “knowing the code was
187, the Penal Code section for murder, objected on the ground the code number was
irrelevant, more prejudicial than probative and improper character evidence.” (Id. at p.
480.) The trial court admitted the evidence, and the Court of Appeal reversed. (Id. at p.
480-481.) The Humiston court reasoned that “evidence [defendant] used the Penal Code
section for murder, eight months before the crime, was not relevant to prove any fact
other than her disposition to commit murder. . . . The coincidence of using the code for
murder and later committing murder is precisely what makes the evidence so prejudicial
in the eyes of the jury.” (Id. at p. 481.) Humiston differs from this case because Isidro-
Ausencio’s gang moniker was highly probative as to issues of his gang participation, his
22
identity being the perpetrator of the charged offenses, and his motive for the shooting.
As highly probative on several key issues at trial, the trial court properly admitted the
evidence of Isidro-Ausencio’s gang moniker.
III
Exclusion of Photographs Showing Isidro-Ausencio with his Son
Isidro-Ausencio contends the trial court erred in excluding relevant evidence in the
form of photographs depicting him with his fiancée and children. He argues that “the
proffered evidence was relevant to prove [Isidro-Ausencio] was a family man and a
loving father to his children, who participated in their life, care, and emotional well-being
over time.” We conclude the evidence was irrelevant and thus inadmissible.
A.
Isidro-Ausencio’s Photographs
Isidro-Ausencio sought to admit 14 photographs of himself with his fiancée and
children to show good character.7 Isidro-Ausencio’s trial attorney explained, “[B]asically
I sought to bring in some of those photographs to show that the individual who is the
defendant in this case is not 24/7 a gangster who is running around looking for respect or
revenge in a fashion described by Detective Steed.” The prosecutor objected to the
admission of the photographs on grounds they were not relevant and had no purpose
other than to gain sympathy from the jury for Isidro-Ausencio. The prosecutor noted a
photograph of Isidro-Ausencio and his youngest son had already been admitted into
evidence.
The trial court sustained the objection, and explained:
“Because of the objection, the Court looked at Exhibits B through O at side bar
with the attorneys. And just as an example, they show the defendant with either one or
7 Isidro-Ausencio does not renew his argument, made in the trial court, that the
photographs were admissible as evidence of his good character.
23
both of his children. D shows him with both children in front of a Christmas tree opening
presents. H shows him kissing his wife, holding a young child. L shows him bottle-
feeding an infant. And the rest show him with either one or both children. These photos
are not relevant to any material issue in dispute. No one is disputing he has the two
children or the age of the children. There have already been a couple of photographs
introduced with him and his children.
“As to character evidence, being a father, having children, is not a character at
issue. If there was evidence of his being a person of peace, or lack of violence, or law
abidingness, but these photographs just depicting him and his children do not go to those
character traits. Being a father and a gang member are not mutually exclusive. And I
don’t think the evidence has been that he’s 24/7 [an] evil person or doing things for the
gang. I think what’s relevant here is whether -- for the People to prove was whether he is
a member of a gang and whether the crime committed was committed in association with
the gang.
“So after having reviewed B through O, the Court found they were not relevant.
And certainly under 352, any probative value is substantially outweighed by it
necessitating undue consumption of time or creating a substantial danger of undue
prejudice or eliciting sympathy. So they’re just not relevant. So the Court excluded B
through O.”
B.
Relevance
As we have previously noted in part II B., only relevant evidence is admissible.
(Avitia, supra, 127 Cal.App.4th at p. 192; see also Evid. Code, § 350 [“No evidence is
admissible except relevant evidence”].) So too we note again the admission or exclusion
of evidence represents a matter addressed to the sound discretion of the trial court that we
will not disturb in the absence of a showing that the evidentiary ruling was arbitrary,
capricious, or exceeded the bounds of reason. (Leon, supra, 181 Cal.App.4th at p. 460.)
24
The trial court did not abuse its discretion in excluding the 14 photographs of
Isidro-Ausencio with his fiancée and children. Proof Isidro-Ausencio was a father and a
family man had no bearing on whether he committed the charged offenses for the benefit
of a street gang. Unfortunately, even good family relationships are not mutually
exclusive with a willingness to commit first degree murder. (See, e.g., People v. Virgil
(2011) 51 Cal. 4th 1210, 1273].) Here, the charged offenses did not require proof Isidro-
Ausencio was a gangster during every hour of every day. Instead, the prosecution had to
show only that Isidro-Ausencio fired three fatal shots for the benefit of a criminal street
gang. (§§ 186.22, subd. (b)(1), 187.) Even if, as Isidro-Ausencio argues on appeal, the
photographs “tended to prove [he] was a loving father and family man,” they did not
disprove his capacity or willingness to commit murder to preserve his status within his
gang. In short, the photographs of Isidro-Ausencio with his immediate family members
were not relevant.
Exclusion of the photos offered by Isidro-Ausencio’s trial attorney did not
undermine his ability to present a defense. Isidro-Ausencio was able to show he had been
in a committed relationship with Kolosova for several years. Kolosova also testified she
lived with Isidro-Ausencio and their son in February 2011. In questioning Kolosova
during the defense case, Isidro-Ausencio’s trial attorney emphasized a photo that had
been admitted into evidence and showed Isidro-Ausencio with his son. The trial court
did not abuse its discretion in excluding additional photographs showing Isidro-Ausencio
with Kolosova and his sons.
IV
Request to Modify Jury Instruction Regarding Circumstantial Evidence
Isidro-Ausencio contends the trial court erred in refusing to modify the standard
CALCRIM jury instructions regarding circumstantial evidence. He argues the jury
25
should have been specifically instructed Sergeant Steed’s testimony constituted
circumstantial evidence.8 We disagree.
A.
Circumstantial Evidence Jury Instructions
Isidro-Ausencio’s counsel requested modification of the standard CALCRIM
instruction regarding circumstantial evidence. As pertinent to Isidro-Ausencio’s
argument on appeal, his trial attorney filed a request to “ask that the following be added
to [CALCRIM No.] 224. [¶] The Opinion testimony of [Sergeant] Steed is
circumstantial evidence.” In support of the request, Isidro-Ausencio’s trial attorney
argued: “Without an express instruction, the jurors may not understand that opinion
testimony is circumstantial evidence. (See People v. Danks (2004) 32 C4th 269, 528.
‘Hence, the opinions of experts have uniformly been held to constitute circumstantial
evidence in California.’ Pp. 579-625 See also People v. Goldstein (1956) 139 CA2d,
146 at 153.”
The trial court instructed the jury with CALCRIM Nos. 223 and 224 as follows:
“223. Direct and Circumstantial Evidence: Defined [¶] Facts may be proved
by direct or circumstantial evidence or by a combination of both. Direct evidence can
prove a fact by itself. For example, if a witness testifies he saw it raining outside before
he came into the courthouse, that testimony is direct evidence that it was raining.
Circumstantial evidence also may be called indirect evidence. Circumstantial evidence
does not directly prove the fact to be decided, but is evidence of another fact or group of
facts from which you may logically and reasonably conclude the truth of the fact in
question. For example, if a witness testifies that he saw someone come inside wearing a
8 Although Isidro-Ausencio quotes the entirety of the proposed pinpoint instruction,
his argument on appeal focuses exclusively on the request to add the sentence about
Sergeant Steed’s testimony.
26
raincoat covered with drops of water, that testimony is circumstantial evidence because it
may support a conclusion that it was raining outside. [¶] Both direct and circumstantial
evidence are acceptable types of evidence to prove or disprove the elements of a charge,
including intent and mental state and acts necessary to a conviction, and neither is
necessarily more reliable than the other. Neither is entitled to any greater weight than the
other. You must decide whether a fact in issue has been proved based on all the
evidence. “224. Circumstantial Evidence: Sufficiency of Evidence [¶] Before you
may rely on circumstantial evidence to conclude that a fact necessary to find the
defendant guilty has been proved, you must be convinced that the People have proved
each fact essential to that conclusion beyond a reasonable doubt. [¶] Also, before you
may rely on circumstantial evidence to find the defendant guilty, you must be convinced
that the only reasonable conclusion supported by the circumstantial evidence is that the
defendant is guilty. If you can draw two or more reasonable conclusions from the
circumstantial evidence, and one of those reasonable conclusions points to innocence and
another to guilt, you must accept the one that points to innocence. However, when
considering circumstantial evidence, you must accept only reasonable conclusions and
reject any that are unreasonable.”
B.
Duty to Instruct the Jury on a Defense Theory
As the California Supreme Court has held, “ ‘A trial court must instruct on the law
applicable to the facts of the case. [Citation.] In addition, a defendant has a right to an
instruction that pinpoints the theory of the defense. [Citation.] The court must, however,
refuse an argumentative instruction, that is, an instruction “of such a character as to invite
the jury to draw inferences favorable to one of the parties from specified items of
evidence.” ’ (People v. Mincey (1992) 2 Cal. 4th 408, 437.)” (People v. Panah (2005) 35
Cal. 4th 395, 486.) “An instruction that directs the jury to ‘ “consider” ’ certain evidence
is properly refused as argumentative. (Id. at p. 1135.) ‘In a proper instruction, “[w]hat is
27
pinpointed is not specific evidence as such, but the theory of the defendant’s case.”’
([People v. Wright (1988) 45 Cal. 3d 1126,] 1137, quoting People v. Adrian (1982) 135
Cal. App. 3d 335, 338.)” (People v. Ledesma (2006) 39 Cal. 4th 641, 720.)
We note Isidro-Ausencio does not contend CALCRIM Nos. 223 and 224 misstate
the law regarding circumstantial evidence. Instead, he argues the instructions should
have been supplemented because case law establishes opinions of police officers “are
treated as circumstantial evidence.” Be that as it may, case law is equally clear that
circumstantial evidence alone suffices to prove the commission of a crime. (People v.
Livingston (2012) 53 Cal. 4th 1145, 1166.) Here, the defense theory of the case was that
the circumstantial evidence was too weak to connect Isidro-Ausencio to the shootings.
However, the proposed pinpoint instruction did not concern the defense’s theory
of the case. Instead, the additional language proposed by Isidro-Ausencio’s trial attorney
focused on a specific piece of evidence, namely Sergeant Steed’s testimony. The defense
is not entitled to have specific evidence highlighted -- or, as here, denigrated -- in the jury
instructions. (People v. Wright (1988) 45 Cal. 3d 1126, 1137.)
CALCRIM Nos. 223 and 224 sufficed to explain the concept and value of
circumstantial evidence to the jury. The proposed pinpoint instruction would have
improperly focused on a particular piece of evidence. For that reason, the requested
pinpoint instruction was correctly refused by the trial court.
V
Whether the Trial Court Should Have Instructed on Voluntary Manslaughter
Isidro-Ausencio next argues the trial court should have instructed the jury on a
lesser included offense of first degree murder, namely voluntary manslaughter. Noting
evidence that he was enraged after being attacked, Isidro-Ausencio contends a heat of
passion finding by the jury would have supported a voluntary manslaughter conviction.
We disagree.
28
Manslaughter is “a lesser, necessarily included, offense of intentional murder.”
(People v. Lee (1999) 20 Cal. 4th 47, 58.) The offense of voluntary manslaughter is
committed “when the killing is ‘upon a sudden quarrel or heat of passion.’ ” (Ibid.;
§ 192, subd. (a).) The trial court has a sua sponte duty to instruct the jury on voluntary
manslaughter when the evidence at trial of heat of passion is “substantial enough to merit
consideration” by the jury. (People v. Breverman (1998) 19 Cal. 4th 142, 162.) “The
provocation which incites the defendant to homicidal conduct in the heat of passion must
be caused by the victim (see In re Thomas C. (1986) 183 Cal. App. 3d 786, 798), or be
conduct reasonably believed by the defendant to have been engaged in by the victim.
(See People v. Brooks (1986) 185 Cal. App. 3d 687, 694; see also 1 Witkin & Epstein, Cal.
Criminal Law (2d ed. 1988) Crimes Against the Person, § 512, p. 579.) The provocative
conduct by the victim may be physical or verbal, but the conduct must be sufficiently
provocative that it would cause an ordinary person of average disposition to act rashly or
without due deliberation and reflection.” (People v. Lee, supra, 20 Cal.4th at p. 59,
italics added.)
In this case, there was no evidence the three murder victims were involved in the
beating of Isidro-Ausencio. Indeed, there was no evidence Isidro-Ausencio knew
anything about the murder victims before he shot them. Instead, the evidence showed
Isidro-Ausencio and Delgado chose the three victims simply because they were African-
American and Isidro-Ausencio had been beaten by African-Americans. Because the
record is devoid of any suggestion the murder victims did anything to provoke Isidro-
Ausencio, there was insufficient evidence to warrant the giving of a voluntary
manslaughter instruction.
29
VI
Whether the Trial Court Erred in Denying a Continuance of Trial
Isidro-Ausencio contends the trial court erred in denying his motion to continue
trial to investigate statements of a witness to the effect Velasco claimed credit for the
drive-by shooting. We reject the claim of error.
A.
Motion for Continuance
At the outset of trial, the prosecutor sent an e-mail to defense counsel and the court
to inform them, “We took an additional statement from the [confidential] witness this
afternoon. . . . She confirms that she heard Cartoon say he was in the car and there were
two other people in the car. One was Sniper and she can’t remember the name of the
other. She says Cartoon said that Sniper was not the shooter. Cartoon claimed that HE
had ‘funk’ with the victims at a liquor store on Folsom Blvd. before the shooting. [¶] I
will NOT release contact information for the witness. She currently has been threatened
as a ‘snitch’ and there have been threats on her life. I will make her available through the
DA gang investigator.” At the next court appearance, trial counsel for Delgado and
Isidro-Ausencio moved for a continuance of trial to investigate the statements of the
confidential witness.
The prosecutor objected to any continuance on grounds Velasco’s statements had
been mere puffery that had been undermined by other evidence. She noted Velasco made
a “phone call [that] lasted for 12 minutes and 39 seconds. And we know by the cell
towers that it was pinging off of the cell tower at Fair Oaks and Manzanita by [Velasco’s]
apartment. This phone call did not conclude until after 4:30 p.m. The shootings occurred
at approximately 4:28 p.m. And based on those records, made it impossible for [Velasco]
to be in the vehicle when these shootings occurred in Rancho Cordova. There are [a]
multitude of cell phone towers near the shooting scene. One at Fair Oaks and Manzanita
is not one of them. There is approximately four miles’ distance between [Velasco’s]
30
apartment and where the victims were shot.” Moreover, Kolosova’s sister claimed to
have been at home with Velasco all day until she left at 5:00 p.m.
The trial court denied the motion for a continuance and explained the denial of the
continuance did not preclude trial counsel from investigating the statements of the
confidential witness. The trial court stated, “You should pursue it, but I’m not sure if a
continuance is necessary for you to pursue it. All the witnesses that the DA mentioned in
her recitation of the discovery you’ve already had, I believe, are under subpoena and
available, including the two girlfriends, Natalya and Tatyana . . . . [¶] We have
[Velasco] here in custody. The witness who made the statement regarding [Velasco’s]
statement is available. So -- and this trial is anticipated to go for another two weeks. So
I’m not sure why you can’t pursue what you need to pursue.”
In his defense, Delgado called Jennifer Trujillo to testify she heard Velasco say he
was in the car during the shooting. Velasco said the shooting was gang-related and he
“had to leave” because he was worried he was wanted for the murders.
B.
Continuances
Section 1050, subdivision (e), provides that “[c]ontinuances shall be granted only
upon a showing of good cause.” “When a continuance is sought in the midst of trial, the
trial judge ‘ “ ‘must consider not only the benefit which the moving party anticipates but
also the likelihood that such benefit will result, the burden on other witnesses, jurors and
the court and, above all, whether substantial justice will be accomplished or defeated by a
granting of the motion.’ ” [Citations.]’ (People v. Samayoa (1997) 15 Cal. 4th 795, 840
(Samayoa).) ‘The burden is on [the defendant] to establish an abuse of judicial
discretion. . . .’ [Citation.] ‘[A]n order of denial is seldom successfully attacked.’
[Citation.]” (People v. Beeler (1995) 9 Cal. 4th 953, 1003, overruled on another ground
in People v. Pearson (2013) 56 Cal. 4th 393, 462.)
31
The trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying a continuance to investigate
Velasco’s claim of participation in the shootings. Isidro-Ausencio argues Velasco’s
statements were exculpatory evidence. True. However, Isidro-Ausencio fails to
acknowledge the jury actually heard the evidence concerning Velasco’s claim to
participation in the shooting. Thus, there was no error and no prejudice arising out of the
trial court’s denial of a continuance.
We also reject Isidro-Ausencio’s assertion the continuance could have helped him
develop witnesses and testimony to establish a heat of passion defense. As we explained
in part V, the heat of passion defense was unavailable because there was no evidence the
murder victims caused any provocation of Isidro-Ausencio. Velasco’s claim of
participation in the shooting would not have rendered the heat of passion defense
applicable to this case. Accordingly, we conclude Isidro-Ausencio has not established
any error or prejudice in the denial of the motion for a continuance.
VII
Cumulative Error
Isidro-Ausencio contends the cumulative effect of errors committed at trial
violated his right to due process of law under the Fourteenth Amendment to the United
States Constitution. We have not found any error occurring during trial. Consequently,
there are no multiple errors to cumulate to his prejudice. (People v. Sanders (1995) 11
Cal. 4th 475, 565; People v. Cudjo (1993) 6 Cal. 4th 585, 630.)
VIII
Whether the Trial Court Properly Imposed Consecutive Gang Enhancements
Isidro-Ausencio contends his consecutive sentences for three gang enhancements
imposed under section 186.22, subdivision (b)(1)(C), should be stricken. Specifically, he
argues that “[w]here a gang-related first-degree murder is punishable by 25 years to life,
section 186.22, subdivision (b)(1)(C)’s 10-year enhancement does not apply.” The
contention has merit.
32
The criminal street gang sentence enhancement set forth in section 186.22,
subdivision (b)(1), increases the penalties for underlying crimes when those crimes are
punishable by a determinate term. (People v. Sengpadychith (2001) 26 Cal. 4th 316, 327
(Sengpadychith).) Nonetheless, as the Sengpadychith court noted, for felony offenses
that are punishable by an indeterminate term of imprisonment for life, “the gang
enhancement provision does not alter the indeterminate term of life imprisonment; it
merely prescribes the minimum period the defendant must serve before becoming eligible
for parole. (§ 186.22, subd. (b)(5) [providing for this category of felonies committed to
benefit a street gang, the defendant ‘shall not be paroled until a minimum of 15 calendar
years have been served’].) Thus, for these felonies, the gang enhancement provision does
not increase the life term for the underlying offense.” (Sengpadychith, at p. 327.)
Also instructive is the California Supreme Court’s guidance in People v. Lopez
(2005) 34 Cal. 4th 1002. Lopez presented the question of whether a first degree murder
committed for the benefit of a gang was subject to the 10-year enhancement in section
186.22, subdivision (b)(1)(C), or whether the murder was instead subject to the 15-year
minimum parole eligibility term of section 186.22, subdivision (b)(5). (Lopez, at p.
1006.) The California Supreme Court held the Legislature “intended section 186.22[,
subdivision] (b)(5) to encompass both a straight life term as well [as] a term expressed as
years to life (other than those enumerated in subdivision (b)(4)) and therefore intended to
exempt those crimes from the 10-year enhancement in subdivision (b)(1)(C).” (Lopez, at
p. 1007.)
Here, Isidro-Ausencio was sentenced to serve three terms of life in prison without
possibility of parole because he committed the murders with special circumstances. His
life sentences are each subject to the 15-year minimum for parole of section 186.22,
subdivision (b)(5). However, they are not subject to the 10-year enhancement of
subdivision (b)(1)(C). (Sengpadychith, supra, 26 Cal.4th at p. 327.) Consequently, we
33
modify Isidro-Ausencio’s sentence by striking the 10-year gang enhancements for his
three murder convictions.
DISPOSITION
As to Francisco Ignacio Delgado, the judgment is affirmed. As to Saul Isidro-
Ausencio, the ten-year gang enhancements imposed pursuant to Penal Code section
186.22, subdivision (b)(1), for his three counts of murder are stricken. As modified, the
judgment as to Isidro-Ausencio is affirmed. The trial court is directed to amend Isidro-
Ausencio’s abstract of judgment to reflect this modification of judgment and to forward a
certified copy to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
/s/
HOCH, J.
We concur:
/s/
BUTZ, Acting P. J.
/s/
MAURO, J.
34