In the Matter of the Personal Restraint of: Jose Manual Quintero ( 2024 )

FILED
JANUARY 18, 2024
In the Office of the Clerk of Court
WA State Court of Appeals, Division III
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
DIVISION THREE
In the Matter of the Personal Restraint of ) No. 38585-0-III
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JOSE MANUEL QUINTERO, ) PUBLISHED OPINION
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Petitioner. )
LAWRENCE-BERREY, J. — In this timely personal restraint petition (PRP), Jose
Quintero raises five grounds for relief and raises an additional claim in his conclusion.
In his second supplemental brief, he raises two new untimely claims and asserts a
cumulative error argument for the first time. We decline to consider his two new
untimely claims, but conclude that his cumulative error argument, premised on arguments
raised in his timely petition, is not a new claim, and consider it.
Mr. Quintero’s most noteworthy claim is that two nonconstitutional rulings were
erroneous and violated his right to a fair trial, and his petition should be granted under the
less strenuous “constitutional error” standard. We agree that the trial court’s two rulings
were erroneous and potentially highly prejudicial. We nevertheless determine that the
errors, singularly or cumulatively, were nonconstitutional.
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Washington courts have yet to describe what type of nonconstitutional errors
warrant collateral relief. We adopt the habeas corpus standard: The erroneous admission
of prejudicial evidence will not justify collateral relief unless the evidence had a
substantial and injurious effect on the jury’s decision. In assessing this, we consider the
importance of the wrongly admitted evidence and the overall strength of the State’s case.
The importance of wrongly admitted evidence is determined by the prosecutor’s conduct
with respect to the evidence, whether the evidence bore on an issue plainly critical to the
jury’s decision, and whether it was material to the establishment of a critical fact or
whether it was instead corroborated and cumulative. The strength of the prosecution’s
case, absent erroneously admitted evidence, is probably the single most critical factor.
We conclude that the two nonconstitutional errors do not meet this standard for
granting relief and deny Mr. Quintero’s petition.
FACTS
In 2014 and 2015, Janette Rojas Balderas (Ms. Rojas) worked as a confidential
informant for the Walla Walla Police Department. Ms. Rojas had agreed to help law
enforcement conduct controlled buys of narcotics in exchange for leniency on her
pending criminal charges. Throughout her time working as an informant, Ms. Rojas
completed 15 controlled buys for law enforcement.
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In one of the controlled buys, Ms. Rojas purchased methamphetamine from
Charley Lozano (Mr. Lozano). Law enforcement then charged Mr. Lozano with delivery
of methamphetamine based on Ms. Rojas’s controlled buy. Mr. Lozano eventually
pleaded guilty and was scheduled to be sentenced on August 10, 2015. Through the
discovery process in that case, Mr. Lozano learned Ms. Rojas’s identity as the informant.
Ms. Rojas told police she heard the 18th Street Gang, a criminal street gang, had
“green-lighted” her, meaning the gang identified her as a target because she was an
informant for law enforcement. Rep. of Proc. (RP) at 963. Witnesses stated Mr. Lozano,
a member of the 18th Street Gang, wanted Ms. Rojas dead. Jose Quintero was also a
member of the 18th Street Gang.
Two days before Mr. Lozano’s sentencing, on August 8, 2015, there was a going
away party for Mr. Lozano. At around midnight that evening, Ms. Rojas and her
boyfriend, Jon Cano, were sitting outside their home when they were each shot multiple
times. Ms. Rojas was shot 11 times and Mr. Cano was shot 5 times. Both died. The
shootings occurred on East Walnut Street in Walla Walla, Washington. There were no
eyewitnesses.
In October 2015, Mr. Quintero was being held on $100,000 bail in the Walla
Walla County jail on unrelated charges. During that time, he wrote two different rap
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lyrics that glorified gang lifestyle, including shooting “‘snitches.’” PRP, App. H. At the
time, his cellmate, Birzavit Carmona Hernandez, had been arrested for a shooting at the
Green Lantern Tavern and his bail was $500,000. Mr. Carmona Hernandez gave Mr.
Quintero’s rap lyrics to police.
In April 2016, seven months after the Walnut Street murders, the State charged
Mr. Quintero with two counts of murder in the first degree while armed with a firearm
and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in the first degree.
Pretrial
In his report, the lead detective in the case noted: “The rap lyrics are about the 18th
Street gang’s lifestyle to include: partying, rivalries, shootings, killing ‘snitches’, and 18th
Street gang members being locked up for crimes. I did not note anything specific about
this homicide on either of the rap lyrics.” PRP, App. H.
In a motion in limine, Mr. Quintero sought to exclude evidence of the rap lyrics he
had written. His counsel argued:
Facially, the lyrics describe certain gang-related values and activities, but do
not provide any details of the homicides that are the subject of this case.
Indeed, the State’s lead gang detective, upon reviewing the lyrics,
concluded in his report that they did not contain anything of evidentiary
value.
The lyrics are substantially more prejudicial than probative. They do
not tend to make any fact at issue in the case more or less probable, and do
not provide any information about the shootings of Janette Rojas and Jon
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Cano. However, they tend to have a prejudicial effect by inviting
inferences about Mr. Quintero’s character and propensities, by suggesting
that he romanticizes gang relationships and activities. Because the
prejudicial effect substantially outweighs any probative value of the lyrics,
they should be excluded under ER 401, 402, and 403.
....
. . . The lyrics are fictional forms of artistic expression that do not set
forth the nexus between the contents of the lyrics and the facts of the
charged crime. They serve merely as a “dog whistle” to the prejudices of
the jury and to depict [Mr. Quintero] as the kind of person who would
commit the crime at issue. Such evidence is highly inflammatory and
should not be admitted.
Clerk’s Papers (CP) at 49-50.
The State argued the lyrics were admissible to show Mr. Quintero’s “association
with the 18th Street Gang, to show his knowledge of gang activities, and to show
motive.” CP at 108-09. It contended Mr. Quintero’s lyrics were admissible under
ER 404(b) because they showed his support for murdering “ratas” or “snitches,” which
directly related to Mr. Quintero’s motive in the case. CP at 109. The State also argued
that the bail amount listed in the lyrics, $500,000, was identical to the bail set for Mr.
Quintero.1
1
As noted earlier, when Mr. Quintero composed the lyrics, his bail was $100,000
on unrelated charges. His bail was not set at $500,000 until later, after the State charged
him in this matter.
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The trial court granted Mr. Quintero’s motion in limine in part. It ordered: “The
Court will allow a redacted portion of the lyrics that allegedly describes the charged
crime and related circumstances, such as the bail imposed upon defendant.” CP at 189.
The lyrics were redacted for trial.
In another motion in limine, Mr. Quintero’s defense counsel sought to prevent the
State from calling Jose Lozano, Mr. Lozano’s brother, who was the alleged driver on the
night of the shootings.2 The State had named Jose Lozano as a potential witness and the
defense anticipated he might not cooperate if called to the stand. Originally, Jose Lozano
was a codefendant, charged with first degree murder, but the cases were severed before
Mr. Quintero’s trial.
The State argued Jose Lozano could no longer claim a Fifth Amendment to the
United States Constitution right because he had already pleaded guilty. Jose Lozano had
pleaded guilty to a substantially reduced charge in exchange for a sentencing
recommendation of two years.
The defense responded that if Jose Lozano refused to testify and the court held him
in contempt and it all happened in the presence of the jury, this would be highly
2
To distinguish between the brothers, we refer to the driver by his full name, while
we continue to refer to the shooter as Mr. Lozano.
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inflammatory and prejudicial. Defense counsel warned if this happened during trial, she
might move for a mistrial because it would invite adverse inferences to be drawn by the
jury, which would be impermissible. Following oral argument on the motion in limine,
the court reserved ruling on the matter for trial, stating: “If you think you have a hostile
and/or uncooperative witness we do not want to create a scene in front of the jury. I
understand [defense counsel’s] concern in that regard.” RP at 178.
In yet another motion in limine, the defense sought to limit the State’s ballistics
evidence that the shell casing marks “matched” or were fired from the same firearm.
CP at 39. The defense requested that any testimony purporting to establish a match
should be qualified by informing the jury of the error rate and that “the certainty of such
conclusions should be allowed to be stated only on a ‘more likely than not’ basis.”
CP at 44. To support the argument, the defense had hired Dr. Raymond Grimsbo.
It was Dr. Grimsbo’s opinion that “reliable sources . . . critique the shortcomings and
unscientific assumptions of current ballistics analysis methodologies, including the
methodology employed by the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab in the present case.”
PRP, App. G at 2-3.
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The trial court denied Mr. Quintero’s request to limit the State’s ballistic evidence.
The court instructed counsel that the ballistics witnesses “shall” not testify that their
methods or conclusions are certain. CP at 189.
Trial
The case proceeded to a jury trial. The State introduced approximately 160
exhibits and called 23 witnesses. Three of Mr. Quintero’s fellow gang members—
Birzavit Carmona Hernandez, Diego Bante Rivera, and Jose Lozano—testified for the
State. Their testimonies are particularly relevant.
Birzavit Carmona Hernandez
Mr. Carmona Hernandez testified he was in jail in October 2015 because he had
been charged with murder in the first degree and assault in the first degree. The charges
stemmed from the shooting at the Green Lantern Tavern in Walla Walla of two people,
one of whom was a fellow 18th Street Gang member who had testified against another
member. Mr. Carmona Hernandez denied he was the shooter.
He told the jury that he and Mr. Quintero shared a cell in October 2015 and, during
this time, Mr. Quintero talked about the Walnut Street murders. According to Mr.
Carmona Hernandez, Mr. Quintero admitted that he and Mr. Lozano killed Ms. Rojas and
Mr. Cano. Mr. Quintero told him that Jose Lozano drove and parked two houses away
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from Ms. Rojas’s house, and that he and Mr. Lozano walked up and shot Ms. Rojas and
Mr. Cano. Mr. Quintero told him that he and Mr. Lozano used “a 9 and a 25,” which
referenced handguns. RP at 653. Mr. Carmona Hernandez testified that he knew Mr.
Quintero carried a .9 millimeter handgun.
Mr. Quintero told him the vehicle Jose Lozano was driving that night was a van
belonging to the Lozano brothers’ mother. Mr. Quintero said that most of his shots hit
Ms. Rojas. Mr. Quintero told Mr. Carmona Hernandez that he shot Ms. Rojas and Mr.
Cano because Ms. Rojas had testified against Mr. Lozano. Mr. Quintero said he could
see Ms. Rojas’s body moving with the impact of the bullets hitting her. Mr. Carmona
Hernandez then testified Mr. Quintero had given him rap lyrics that Mr. Quintero had
written while they were in jail together.
In the middle of Mr. Carmona Hernandez’s testimony, the parties, outside the
jury’s presence, discussed the admission of the rap lyrics. Both sides debated what
portions of the lyrics, if any, related to the charged crimes. Mr. Quintero argued that the
lyrics had to do mostly with the Green Lantern shooting. Over his objection, the
following portions of the lyrics were admitted as exhibits:
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G-CODE
CASES GOING COLD NO MATTER HOW MUCH DEDICATION
THIS AINT BRAGGIN
SHOUT OUT TO THE HOMIES DOING TIME IN [CLALLUM] BAY
AND ONE EIGHT SEVEN GREEN LIGHT TO ALL THEM KNOWN
RATAS
THEY HIT EM WITH THE 500,000 ON THE BAIL
SO AINT NO OUT OF JAIL YET THE HOMIES KEEP IT QUIET
MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE IS WHAT THE PAPERS SAID
Suppl. Br. of Pet’r (filed Dec. 5, 2022) (First Supp.), App. A (Ex. 41 admitted at trial).
AINT NO PEACE TREATY
WHAT MUST IT TAKE FOR A RAT TO STOP TALKIN
TAKE CARE OF IT YOURSELF AND YOU BETTER GETS TO
WALKIN
YOU GET THE COLD METAL AND YOU POINT IT AT THEIR DOME
LET THEM KNOW THEY DEAD AND PUT SOME LEAD UP IN THE
HEAD
THE MUZZLE KEEPS FLASHIN IT KEEPS THE BODY SHAKING
BALASO FOR BALASO ALL THE BULLET IT BE TAKIN
First Supp., App. B (Ex. 42 admitted at trial).
Mr. Carmona Hernandez provided the following testimony about the lyrics:
[PROSECUTOR:] . . . “and 187 green light.” Do you know what
that means?
[MR. CARMONA HERNANDEZ:] Yes.
[PROSECUTOR:] And how do you know what it means?
[MR. CARMONA HERNANDEZ:] It’s like a code for dead.
[PROSECUTOR:] What does it mean? Code for what?
[MR. CARMONA HERNANDEZ:] Death.
....
[PROSECUTOR:] And what does ratas mean or rata?
[MR. CARMONA HERNANDEZ:] Rats, snitches.
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....
[PROSECUTOR:] . . . What does in the third line, it says you can,
“you get the cold metal,” what does “cold metal” mean? Do you know
what that means?
[MR. CARMONA HERNANDEZ:] A gun.
....
[PROSECUTOR:] . . . “at their dome.” Do you know what that
means “at their dome”?
[MR. CARMONA HERNANDEZ:] In their head.
....
[PROSECUTOR:] Okay. Why did you give these lyrics to the
police?
[MR. CARMONA HERNANDEZ:] Because it kind of talks like
what he had done.
[PROSECUTOR:] Okay. And when, in speaking with Jose
Quintero while you were in jail with him, did he ever make reference to
Janette Rojas about whether or not she was a snitch or a rata?
[MR. CARMONA HERNANDEZ:] Yes.
[PROSECUTOR:] What did he say about that?
[MR. CARMONA HERNANDEZ:] That she was a snitch.
RP at 682-84.
On cross-examination, Mr. Carmona Hernandez said he agreed to testify against
certain individuals, including Mr. Quintero, in exchange for a reduction in his first degree
murder and first degree assault charges to criminal mischief and fourth degree assault.
He stated the reduction in his charges was important because he did not want to be
deported. He admitted that when he was arrested for the Green Lantern shootings, his
bail was $500,000. He further admitted, at the time his bail was set, Mr. Quintero had not
yet been charged with murder.
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On redirect, the prosecutor asked Mr. Carmona Hernandez, “so these lyrics, as
pointed out, in talking about the $500,000 bail, could have been talking in part about you
and your co-defendants?” RP at 709. Mr. Carmona Hernandez responded, “[c]ould have,
yeah.” RP at 709.
Diego Bante Rivera
Mr. Bante Rivera shared the same cell in October 2015 with Mr. Quintero and Mr.
Carmona Hernandez while in the Walla Walla County jail. He was also a member of the
18th Street Gang. He testified about statements made by Mr. Quintero while both were in
the same cell.
Mr. Quintero told him “they” were driving around and had passed by Ms. Rojas
and her boyfriend sitting outside her home. RP at 1127. Mr. Quintero said he and Mr.
Lozano got out of the van, walked up to Ms. Rojas, and shot her and her boyfriend. Mr.
Quintero said he had used a .9 millimeter gun and Mr. Lozano had used a .25 caliber gun.
He said the two were killed because Ms. Rojas was a snitch and killing snitches is “[j]ust
part of the gang code.” RP at 1131.
Mr. Bante Rivera explained why he came forward and spoke to police. In
July 2016, several months after the Walnut Street murders, fellow gang members wrongly
thought he snitched so they shot him 13 times, which left him paralyzed from the chest
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down. He realized the gang was not loyal to him, so he decided to tell police what he
knew about the Walnut Street murders.
Jose Lozano
Prior to Jose Lozano testifying, Mr. Quintero revisited his motion in limine related
to his testimony:
[DEFENSE COUNSEL]: . . . [Jose] Lozano was the subject of a
Motion in Limine No. 7, which was reserved until trial under the Court’s
order.
....
. . . I would note, for the record, that counsel for Mr. Lozano, Mr.
Olson, is present in the courtroom. Mr. Olson advises that Mr. Lozano will
not have anything to say on this matter.
[PROSECUTOR]: I would just respond that [Jose] Lozano’s case is
finished. . . . [Jose] Lozano’s case is done and . . . because he has pled
guilty and [has] been sentenced, he doesn’t have a Fifth Amendment
privilege.
THE COURT: I understand that; double jeopardy.
[DEFENSE COUNSEL]: Double jeopardy cannot attach to federal
government—this is a case that alleges firearms, allegedly conspiringly.
The State cannot preclude the federal government from prosecuting Mr.
Lozano. He may very well be subject to charges on those grounds. That is,
is a separate sovereign.
....
. . . [T]he Feds actually have inquired about this case. They did
make inquiry. That is reflected in the discovery. They asked for
information or evidence to be provided to them regarding this matter. From
a legal standpoint whether the prosecutors would be interested in it is
irrelevant. The question is, does the federal government have the power to
prosecute [Jose] Lozano for what he may be asked on the stand? And the
answer is, unquestionably, yes, they do.
....
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THE COURT: All right. I see Mr. Robin Olson is in the courtroom.
Mr. Olson was [Jose] Lozano’s counsel in the matter for which he was
convicted. And I know you are not appointed to represent him in this
matter, Mr. Olson, but would you like to weigh in? I’ll give you that
opportunity.
MR. OLSON: I would, Your Honor. First of all, may it please the
Court, I did inform members of the prosecution team that [Jose] Lozano
would not be testifying at trial. It was never part of his plea agreement at
any point to testify at this trial.
As far as when I recently found out that he was being brought into
court, . . . [the prosecutor] approached me, and asked me a question about
this Fed thing. I said, yes, I have seen it happen several times. I said, [Jose]
Lozano will not testify.
THE COURT: And if . . . he is called to the stand?
MR. OLSON: He will take the Fifth.
THE COURT: All right. I’m going to exclude Mr. Lozano.
RP at 750-55 (emphasis added).
Over the weekend, the State prepared a motion for reconsideration on the court’s
exclusion of Jose Lozano. The parties presented oral argument on the motion to the
court. In its memorandum in support of the motion for reconsideration, the State cited
State v. Ruiz, 176 Wn. App. 623, 309 P.3d 700 (2013), for the proposition that Jose
Lozano had no valid privilege and could be compelled to testify. Defense counsel argued
Jose Lozano had a valid privilege because he was subject to federal prosecution under the
federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), 18 U.S.C. § 1961.
She contended the situation was different than the situation presented in Ruiz because, in
Ruiz, “[t]here was no allegation of gangs activity, no allegation of any type of
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conspiratorial activities, no allegation of any kind of link to any kind of interstate
activity.” RP at 929.
Following argument, the trial court ruled:
The State represents that the questions that it’s going to ask are factual.
Here is a witness who was purportedly an eye witness to the incident. How
can I, as a trial judge, say, no, you can’t call an eye witness? So I’m going
to reverse myself, and allow Mr. Lozano to testify, and we’ll take it [one]
question at a time.
RP at 932.
Later in the trial, the State made an offer of proof regarding Jose Lozano’s
testimony outside the presence of the jury. Jose Lozano took the stand. The prosecutor
proceeded to ask Jose Lozano several questions to which Jose Lozano answered, “I plead
the Fifth” to all. RP at 1108-15. He answered the same way on cross-examination. The
trial court found the Fifth Amendment privilege did not apply, ordered Jose Lozano to
answer questions, and held him in contempt for refusing to answer.
The jury was brought back into the courtroom. The following questioning of Jose
Lozano occurred in the presence of the jury:
[PROSECUTOR:] Sir, would you please state your name for the record.
[WITNESS:] Jose Lozano.
[PROSECUTOR:] Do you live here in Walla Walla?
[WITNESS:] I plead the Fifth.
THE COURT: All right. The Court’s previously ruled that the Fifth
Amendment privilege against self-incrimination doesn’t apply to [Jose]
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Lozano’s testimony. He has been ordered to answer the questions. Refusal
results in him being found in contempt.
Ask your next question, [Prosecutor].
[PROSECUTOR:] If I may approach?
THE COURT: Yes.
....
[PROSECUTOR:] [Jose] Lozano, [I’m] showing you a photograph
numbered plaintiff’s identification number 155, isn’t it true that is your
parents’ mini van?
[WITNESS:] I plead the Fifth.
....
THE COURT: . . . My ruling is the same on each of these questions
just so I don’t keep interrupting.
....
[PROSECUTOR:] [Jose] Lozano, isn’t it true that you were initially
charged with the crime of Murder, two counts of Complicity With Murder
in the First Degree regarding this case that you are testifying in?
[WITNESS:] I plead the Fifth.
[PROSECUTOR:] Then isn’t it true that subsequent to being charged with
those charges that you pled guilty to reduced counts; two counts of
Rendering Criminal Assistance in the First Degree?
[WITNESS:] I plead the Fifth.
....
[PROSECUTOR:] Showing you what is marked plaintiff’s
identification 158, isn’t it true that this is the document that you went
through and signed regarding pleading guilty to the two counts of rendering
criminal assistance?
[WITNESS:] I plead the Fifth.
[PROSECUTOR:] And showing you what’s been marked plaintiff’s
identification number 157, isn’t it true that this is a true copy of the
Judgment and Sentence in that case where you pled guilty to the two counts
of Rendering Criminal Assistance in the First Degree?
[WITNESS:] I plead the Fifth.
....
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[PROSECUTOR:] [Jose] Lozano, isn’t it true that on February 4, 2016, you
were interviewed by the Walla Walla Police Department regarding the
Walnut Street homicides?
[WITNESS:] I plead the Fifth.
[PROSECUTOR:] And isn’t it true that during that interview that you
claimed that you did not know anything about what happened that night?
[WITNESS:] I plead the Fifth.
[PROSECUTOR:] And isn’t it true that you claimed at that time that you
only learned about it through your parents and Facebook?
[WITNESS:] I plead the Fifth.
[PROSECUTOR:] And the last question, [Jose] Lozano, isn’t it true that
the photograph of the van shown in plaintiff’s identification number 155 is
the van that you drove that night, August 7, going into the early morning
hours of August 8, 2015?
[WITNESS:] I plead the Fifth.
[PROSECUTOR]: I don’t have any further questions, Your Honor.
THE COURT: [Defense Counsel], any questions?
[DEFENSE COUNSEL]: Thank you, Your Honor.
CROSS-EXAMINATION
....
[DEFENSE COUNSEL:] [Jose] Lozano, you were aware that the basis for
the charges that were brought against you was the statement of Birzavit
Carmona Hernandez; is that correct?
[WITNESS:] I plead the Fifth.
THE COURT: My ruling is the same in this line of questioning as
well.
....
[DEFENSE COUNSEL:] You were aware that Mr. Birzavit Carmona
Hernandez changed his story initially saying that you were a shooter and
then later saying you were the driver?
[WITNESS:] I plead the Fifth.
[DEFENSE COUNSEL:] And you, on the guilty plea statement, it
indicated that you pleaded guilty to Rendering Criminal Assistance While
Being Armed With a Deadly Weapon; is that correct?
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[WITNESS:] I plead the Fifth.
[DEFENSE COUNSEL:] Isn’t it true that when you were charged with
Murder in the First Degree you were facing a potential maximum sentence
of life in prison; is that correct?
[WITNESS:] I plead the Fifth.
[DEFENSE COUNSEL:] And when you were offered the reduction in
charges to Criminal Assistance in the First Degree you were facing a range
of 12 months to 14 months in prison; is that correct?
[WITNESS:] I plead the Fifth.
[DEFENSE COUNSEL:] [Jose] Lozano, did you take this guilty plea
because it was better than the risk of the downside of [a] bad verdict at
trial?
[WITNESS:] I plead the Fifth.
[DEFENSE COUNSEL:] Did you actually do the events that you pleaded
guilty to to get the advantage of that plea agreement?
[WITNESS:] I plead the Fifth.
....
REDIRECT EXAMINATION
....
[PROSECUTOR:] . . . [Jose] Lozano, isn’t it true that you were not offered
that you were not, that no threats were made or promises were made to you
when you pled guilty to the rendering criminal assistance charges.
[WITNESS:] I plead the Fifth.
[PROSECUTOR]: I have no further questions, Your Honor.
RP at 1118-23.
Ballistics evidence
The State’s witness who performed the autopsy stated he gave the bullets he
removed from the bodies to law enforcement. The bullets recovered from Ms. Rojas’s
body were both .25 caliber and .9 millimeter bullets.
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Additionally, as part of its evidence against Mr. Quintero, the State sought to
introduce evidence from two other shootings, one that occurred at the Taj gas station in
Milton-Freewater, Oregon. It contended that Mr. Quintero was involved in both prior
shootings and a witness saw Mr. Quintero firing his gun in the direction of a Ford
Mustang at the Taj. A bullet was later recovered from the Mustang. The State argued the
bullet recovered from the Mustang at the Taj shooting matched the bullets recovered from
the Walnut Street murders and the gun that was used belonged to Mr. Quintero.
Detective Marlon Calton stated law enforcement tested shell casings from the three
shootings. He stated the shell casing evidence showed that the same gun was used in all
three shootings.
The State called two Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory analysts, Brian
Smelser and Kathy Geil. Mr. Smelser testified that of the 29 fired .9 millimeter Luger
caliber cartridges he examined from the three different crime scenes, it was his opinion
that all of them were fired from the same firearm. Ms. Geil, on the other hand, provided a
lengthy discussion on the criticisms of ballistics science and its susceptibility to
subjectivity.
Mr. Quintero’s defense counsel cross-examined both analysts at length. Mr.
Smelser admitted there are variances on the markings on bullets even when bullets are
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fired from the same firearm. It was his job to distinguish which differences were
indicative of a separate firearm and which ones were within the range of tolerance for the
same firearm. Mr. Smelser admitted the determination is a subjective one based on his
judgment and opinion. He further admitted that subjective opinions are more susceptible
to bias. When defense counsel asked if it was true that recent scientific reports had
criticized the types of analyses used by the crime lab because they have the potential to be
affected by bias, Mr. Smelser said it was. He admitted that bullet identification did not
have the same level of certainty that other types of science does. He further admitted that
his analysis might be biased because law enforcement agencies were hopeful that the
bullets from the three shootings matched. The defense did not call its expert, Dr.
Grimsbo.
In closing argument, the prosecutor argued to the jury that it should infer Mr.
Quintero’s guilt from Jose Lozano’s refusal to testify. The prosecutor argued:
Then you saw Mr. Lozano, Jose Lozano on the stand. You really didn’t
hear anything from him other than his name. But what you heard was
deafening silence. . . . So he was charged . . . with the Murder, but then
pled guilty to . . . Rendering Criminal Assistance . . . .
. . . But he is still a gang member. And so his silence can be
reasonably inferred to tell you that he’s not protecting himself, because he
doesn’t need that protection any more. So who is he protecting? He is not
protecting the State. The only person that he can reasonably be protecting is
the defendant, so that he’s not a snitch.
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So the State respectfully submits to you that one of the two people
that he was rendering criminal assistance to was Mr. Quintero.
RP at 1325-26.
The jury found Mr. Quintero guilty of both counts of murder in the first degree and
guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm in the first degree. But in its special verdict
answer, if found that Mr. Quintero was not armed with a firearm during the commission
of either murder.
Sentencing
Prior to sentencing, Mr. Quintero filed a sentencing memorandum in the trial
court. He asked the court to consider the mitigating factor of youthfulness as he was 21
years old when he committed his crimes. Mr. Quintero’s brief explained that he regretted
his decision to join the gang, but the violence and insecurity present in his childhood
home led him to make that choice. And, after being removed from the negative influence
of his home life and peer group, Mr. Quintero showed great potential to behave
responsibly. Mr. Quintero asked the court to impose an exceptional sentence below the
standard range and impose concurrent terms of confinement based on his youthfulness
and transient immaturity.
Before the court announced Mr. Quintero’s sentence, the court stated: “I did take
into consideration the defendant’s life situation, age, maturity level, those sorts of things.
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Frankly, under the circumstances, it didn’t count for a whole lot. Life is not cheap and it
doesn’t get taken lightly.” RP at 1474.
The court sentenced Mr. Quintero to 480 months on count 1 (first degree murder),
300 months on count 2 (first degree murder), and 54 months on count 3 (first degree
unlawful possession of firearm). The court ordered count 1 and count 2 to be served
consecutive and count 3 to run concurrent.
Direct appeal
Mr. Quintero filed a direct appeal. He argued the trial court abused its discretion
and deprived him of his constitutional right to a fair trial by not allowing him to cross-
examine Mr. Carmona Hernandez and Mr. Bante Rivera about the State’s promise to
assist them should they apply for a U visa. State v. Quintero, No. 35752-0-III, slip op. at
11 (Wash. Ct. App. Jan. 7, 2020) (unpublished), https://www.courts.wa.gov/
opinions/pdf/357520_unp.pdf.
A U visa can be obtained by someone illegally in the United States who has helped
law enforcement investigate or prosecute a qualifying crime. Id. at 1. Several appellate
courts from around the country have held that where a State’s witness in a criminal trial
had applied for a U visa and had been promised State support for the application, the
defendant must be allowed to question the witness about that possible motivation for the
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witness’s testimony. Id. at 13. In the unpublished opinion, we rejected the argument
because, by the time of trial, there was no evidence that either witness in fact had applied
for such a visa. Id. at 14, 16-17. We issued our mandate on December 10, 2020.
Timely PRP
Mr. Quintero filed this timely personal restraint petition on November 23, 2021,
shortly before the one-year time bar. See RCW 10.73.090(1), (3)(b). We called for an
answer, the State responded, and Mr. Quintero replied. We then referred Mr. Quintero’s
petition to a panel, assigned counsel to represent him, and permitted supplemental briefs.
Petitioner’s counsel filed a supplemental brief, and the State responded.
Petitioner’s counsel later withdrew to pursue other employment.
We noticed that petitioner’s supplemental brief failed to address the fourth and
fifth grounds of Mr. Quintero’s timely PRP. We appointed substitute counsel and
directed counsel to address those grounds in a second supplemental brief. In the second
supplemental brief, filed April 3, 2023, petitioner’s counsel addressed those claims and
raised three arguably new claims—a confrontation clause violation, prosecutorial
misconduct, and cumulative error. The State responded and argued in part that the
cumulative error claim was a new untimely claim that caused the petition to be mixed and
necessitated the dismissal of the PRP.
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ANALYSIS
Collateral review from a conviction is an extraordinary remedy that seeks to
disturb a final judgment; therefore, a personal restraint petitioner must meet a high
standard to obtain relief. In re Pers. Restraint of Finstad, 177 Wn.2d 501, 506, 301 P.3d
450 (2013). When seeking postconviction relief, a petitioner must demonstrate that they
were actually and substantially prejudiced as a result of constitutional error or that the
trial suffered from a fundamental defect of a nonconstitutional nature that resulted in a
complete miscarriage of justice. In re Pers. Restraint of Swagerty, 186 Wn.2d 801, 807,
383 P.3d 454 (2016). Actual prejudice is determined by evaluating the totality of the
circumstances. In re Pers. Restraint of Brockie, 178 Wn.2d 532, 539, 309 P.3d 498(2013). The petitioner bears the burden of demonstrating prejudice. Id.The petitioner must state with particularity facts that, if proved, would entitle the
petitioner to relief. In re Pers. Restraint of Rice, 118 Wn.2d 876, 886, 828 P.2d 1086(1992). Bald assertions and conclusory allegations are not sufficient nor are arguments
made only in broad general terms. Id.; In re Pers. Restraint of Rhem, 188 Wn.2d 321,
327, 394 P.3d 367 (2017). A petitioner may support a petition by relating material facts
within the petitioner’s personal knowledge, even if the petitioner’s version of the facts is
self-serving. In re Pers. Restraint of Ruiz-Sanabria, 184 Wn.2d 632, 641, 362 P.3d 75824
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(2015). Factual allegations must be based on more than mere speculation, conjecture, or
inadmissible hearsay. Rice, 118 Wn.2d at 886.
We first analyze each of Mr. Quintero’s grounds in his petition and determine
whether he has established the presence of any error. If so, we then apply the appropriate
standard of review for prejudice, depending on whether the error is constitutional or
nonconstitutional.
A. GROUNDS ASSERTED FOR RELIEF
FIRST GROUND: SUFFICIENCY OF THE EVIDENCE
Mr. Quintero makes three arguments challenging the sufficiency of the State’s
evidence against him.
In the context of a collateral attack, “[a] conviction based on insufficient evidence
contravenes the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment [to the United States
Constitution] and thus results in unlawful restraint.” In re Pers. Restraint of Martinez,
171 Wn.2d 354, 364, 256 P.3d 277 (2011). When reviewing a sufficiency of the evidence
claim, this court must determine “‘whether, after viewing the evidence in the light most
favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found the essential
elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.’” State v. Green, 94 Wn.2d 216, 221,
616 P.2d 628 (1980) (emphasis omitted) (plurality opinion) (quoting Jackson v. Virginia,
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443 U.S. 307, 319, 99 S. Ct. 2781, 61 L. Ed. 2d 560 (1979)). “A claim of insufficiency
admits the truth of the State’s evidence and all inferences that reasonably can be drawn
therefrom.” State v. Walton, 64 Wn. App. 410, 415, 824 P.2d 533 (1992). “This standard
is a deferential one, and questions of credibility, persuasiveness, and conflicting
testimony must be left to the jury.” Martinez, 171 Wn.2d at 364. Both direct evidence
and circumstantial evidence are equally reliable in making a sufficiency of the evidence
determination. State v. Scanlan, 193 Wn.2d 753, 770, 445 P.3d 960 (2019).
1. Sufficiency of evidence that Mr. Quintero and an accomplice acted with
premeditated intent to cause the death of both victims
For ease of analysis, we combine Mr. Quintero’s first and second sufficiency
challenges under one heading. He argues the State presented insufficient evidence to
prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he and an accomplice acted with premeditated
intent to cause the death of the victims.3
3
The to-convict instructions for the murder charges required the State to prove
“the defendant, or an accomplice, caused the death” of each victim. PRP, App. A, B
(instructions 8 and 9). These instructions deviated from the typical instruction, which
would have required the State to prove that the defendant, as principal or accomplice,
caused the death of the victim.
Mr. Quintero argues this error implicates the alternative means doctrine and
because the State failed to select one of the two means, required it to prove that both he
and an accomplice committed murder in the first degree. We disagree.
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Premeditation is an essential element of first degree murder. RCW 9A.32.030(1)(a).
“Premeditation must involve more than a moment in time; it is defined as the deliberate
formation of and reflection upon the intent to take a human life and involves the mental
process of thinking beforehand, deliberation, reflection, weighing or reasoning for a
period of time, however short.” State v. Hoffman, 116 Wn.2d 51, 82-83, 804 P.2d 577(1991) (footnote omitted). “Premeditation can be shown by circumstantial evidence
where the inferences drawn by the jury are reasonable and the evidence supporting the
jury’s verdict is substantial.” State v. Rehak, 67 Wn. App. 157, 164, 834 P.2d 651 (1992).
“Four characteristics of the crime are particularly relevant to establish
premeditation: motive, procurement of a weapon, stealth, and the method of killing.”
State v. Pirtle, 127 Wn.2d 628, 644, 904 P.2d 245 (1995). “The planned presence of
weapons supports an inference of premeditation.” Hoffman, 116 Wn.2d at 83. Evidence
that the defendant engaged in multiple acts of violence also supports an inference of a
premeditated act. Id. at 84. In Rehak, Division Two of this court held that a reasonable
trier of fact could find premeditation where the killer prepared the gun, crept up behind
The alternative means doctrine applies to an offense that the legislature has
defined as being committed by more than one means. State v. Smith, 159 Wn.2d 778,
784, 154 P.3d 873 (2007). That is not the case here. Nevertheless, for the reasons shown
in our discussion of this issue, the State did present sufficient evidence that Mr. Quintero
and an accomplice committed murder in the first degree.
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the victim who was sitting quietly in a chair in a nonconfrontational posture, and shot the
victim three separate times. Rehak, 67 Wn. App. at 164.
In this case, a reasonable trier of fact could find that Mr. Quintero and Mr. Lozano
premeditated the killing of Ms. Rojas and Mr. Cano. Mr. Quintero told his cellmates that
he and Mr. Lozano shot and killed Ms. Rojas and Mr. Cano because she was a “snitch.”
RP at 1131. The evidence suggested that once at Ms. Rojas’s home, Mr. Quintero and
Mr. Lozano decided they needed to kill Mr. Cano, too. Mr. Quintero argues that no
motive to kill Mr. Cano was identified at trial. We disagree, killers have a motive to
ensure that no witness can identify them. Mr. Cano was a witness.
Moreover, motive is not the only characteristic of premeditation. Both Mr.
Quintero and Mr. Lozano were armed with handguns when they arrived at Ms. Rojas’s
house, suggesting they planned to shoot her. Mr. Quintero and Mr. Lozano also
concealed their approach by parking down the street from Ms. Rojas’s house, indicating
they used stealth and it was their plan to surprise the victims. Further, the fact that Ms.
Rojas was shot 11 times and Mr. Cano was shot 5 times (multiple acts of violence)
supports an inference of premeditation.
We conclude that the State provided sufficient evidence from which a jury might
reasonably have found beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. Quintero and Mr. Lozano
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acted with premeditation in the killing of Ms. Rojas and Mr. Cano.
2. Accomplice liability is not an alternative means crime
Jury instruction 10, a pattern instruction, defined accomplice liability. It provided
in relevant part:
A person is an accomplice in the commission of the crime if, with
knowledge that it will promote or facilitate the commission of the crime, he
or she either:
(1) solicits, commands, encourages, or requests another person to
commit the crime; or
(2) aids or agrees to aid another person in planning or committing the
crime.
PRP, App. C.
Mr. Quintero argues the inclusion of two different means for finding a person an
accomplice required the State to either elect one means or prove both beyond a reasonable
doubt. We disagree that being an accomplice is an alternative means crime.
Criminal defendants have a constitutional right to a unanimous jury verdict.
State v. Ortega-Martinez, 124 Wn.2d 702, 707, 881 P.2d 231 (1994). When a criminal
defendant is charged with committing a crime by alternative means, Washington’s
Constitution, article I, section 21 requires the jury to be unanimous as to which alternative
means the defendant used to commit the crime only if the evidence is insufficient to
support any one of the means. Id. at 707-08. Therefore, if the State fails to elect which
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alternate means it intends to prove, the rule requiring jury unanimity is violated unless
sufficient evidence supports each alternative means beyond a reasonable doubt. State v.
Owens, 180 Wn.2d 90, 95, 323 P.3d 1030 (2014).
Alternative means crimes are ones that provide that the proscribed criminal
conduct may be proved in a variety of ways. State v. Smith, 159 Wn.2d 778, 784,
154 P.3d 873 (2007). As a general rule, such crimes are set forth in a statute stating a
single offense, under which are set forth more than one means by which the offense may
be committed. Id.First, because being an accomplice is not a crime in itself, the alternative means
doctrine has no application here. Second, a definitional instruction does not implicate the
alternative means doctrine. Id. at 787; State v. Linehan, 147 Wn.2d 638, 646-47, 56 P.3d
542 (2002). For this reason, also, the alternative means doctrine has no application here.
SECOND GROUND: INCONSISTENT JURY VERDICTS
Mr. Quintero argues his right to due process was violated when the jury found him
guilty of two counts of first degree murder while simultaneously finding he was not
armed with a firearm during the commission of those crimes. Although we agree the
verdicts were inconsistent, we disagree that Mr. Quintero was denied his right to due
process.
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Due process does not require inconsistent verdicts to be vacated. State v. Goins,
151 Wn.2d 728, 738, 92 P.3d 181 (2004). Juries return inconsistent verdicts for various
reasons, including mistake, compromise, and lenity. Id. at 733. “[T]he trial and appellate
courts provide a safeguard from jury error by independently evaluating whether the guilty
verdict rested on sufficient evidence.” Id. If so, verdict inconsistency is an insufficient
reason to reverse a jury’s verdicts. Id. at 734; accord State v. McNeal, 145 Wn.2d 352,
37 P.3d 280 (2002); State v. Ng, 110 Wn.2d 32, 750 P.2d 632 (1988). As mentioned
previously, there is sufficient evidence to sustain both first degree murder convictions.
THIRD GROUND: INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF TRIAL COUNSEL
Mr. Quintero argues he is entitled to relief because, in four ways, he received
ineffective assistance of trial counsel.
To be entitled to collateral relief in a PRP raising an ineffective assistance of
counsel claim, the petitioner must show both that (1) defense counsel’s representation
was deficient, and (2) the deficient representation was prejudicial. In re Pers. Restraint of
Crace, 174 Wn.2d 835, 840, 846-47, 280 P.3d 1102 (2012) (citing Strickland v.
Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 104 S. Ct. 2052, 80 L. Ed. 2d 674 (1984)). Representation is
deficient if, after considering all the circumstances, it falls below an objective standard of
reasonableness. State v. Grier, 171 Wn.2d 17, 33, 246 P.3d 1260 (2011). A petitioner
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alleging ineffective assistance of counsel must overcome a strong presumption that
counsel’s performance was reasonable. Id. “When counsel’s conduct can be
characterized as legitimate trial strategy or tactics, performance is not deficient.” State v.
Kyllo, 166 Wn.2d 856, 863, 215 P.3d 177 (2009). A petitioner establishes actual and
substantial prejudice if the petitioner meets the standard of prejudice applicable on direct
appeal: that but for counsel’s deficient performance there is a reasonable probability the
outcome would have been different. In re Pers. Restraint of Lui, 188 Wn.2d 525, 538,
397 P.3d 90 (2017). If one prong of the test fails, this court need not address the
remaining prong. State v. Crow, 8 Wn. App. 2d 480, 507, 438 P.3d 541 (2019).
1. Failure to investigate an alibi witness and call her as a witness
Mr. Quintero claims his trial counsel’s performance was deficient when she failed
to investigate an alibi witness, Camille Mason, and call her as a witness at trial to testify
in support of his alibi that he was at Jakelin Villalpando’s house the night of the murders.
Prior to trial, Mr. Quintero’s trial counsel sent a letter to him and explained:
I spoke with Camille today. She says that she remembers dropping you off
at [Ms. Villalpando’s] house that night with [Mr. Lozano] and going to
sleep before being woken up by her phone to learn about the shooting. We
will talk more about her statement when I visit.
PRP, App. F at 2. Mr. Quintero claims, after his visit with counsel, that he believed the
alibi witness would be called to testify, but trial counsel did not call her. He claims the
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outcome of his trial would have been different had trial counsel called Ms. Mason to
support his alibi.
Ms. Villalpando testified that Mr. Quintero had called her in April 2016, several
months after the Walnut Street murders, and asked if she remembered him being at her
house the night of the murders. She testified that she told Mr. Quintero she “did not
recall,” but it was possible. RP at 902.
Mr. Quintero’s argument that his trial counsel’s performance was deficient for
failing to investigate Ms. Mason as an alibi witness is without merit. “[A] defendant
seeking relief under a ‘failure to investigate’ theory must show a reasonable likelihood
that the investigation would have produced useful information not already known to the
defendant’s trial counsel.” In re Pers. Restraint of Davis, 152 Wn.2d 647, 739, 101 P.3d
1 (2004). Mr. Quintero cannot do so. The only evidence Mr. Quintero provides is the
evidence already known to his trial counsel—that Ms. Mason would testify she had
dropped off Mr. Quintero and Mr. Lozano at Ms. Villalpando’s house the night of the
murders.
His argument that his trial counsel’s performance was deficient for failing to call
Ms. Mason to testify also is without merit. Mr. Quintero’s presence at Ms. Villalpando’s
house the night of the murders did not preclude him also from driving with the Lozano
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No. 38585-0-III
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brothers at some other time that night. Ms. Mason’s testimony provided little help, but it
provided evidence that he and Mr. Lozano were together the night of the murders. Trial
counsel may well have reasonably determined that Ms. Mason’s testimony would be more
harmful than helpful.
2. Failure to call the defense’s ballistics expert
Mr. Quintero argues he received ineffective assistance of counsel when his trial
counsel failed to call his ballistics expert to contradict the State’s experts. Ordinarily, the
decision “to call a witness is a matter of legitimate trial tactics that presumptively does
not support a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel.” State v. Davis, 174 Wn. App.
623, 639, 300 P.3d 465 (2013). “A defendant can overcome this presumption by showing
that counsel failed to adequately investigate or prepare for trial.” Id.Mr. Quintero’s trial counsel’s decision not to call a ballistics expert was a
legitimate trial strategy. Defense counsel successfully cross-examined the State’s ballistic
experts and neither provided helpful evidence to the State. Because both confirmed the
subjectivity and faults in ballistics testing, defense counsel likely concluded that calling
their own expert would be unnecessary. Mr. Quintero fails to overcome the strong
presumption that trial counsel’s performance was reasonable.
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3. Failure to request jury instructions on lesser included offenses
Mr. Quintero contends his trial counsel’s performance was deficient because she
should have realized from the inconsistent verdicts that the jury had trouble arriving at a
decision, and she should have objected to the inconsistent verdicts and submitted a lesser
included instruction such as one for second degree murder. He argues that had she done
this, the jury may have returned guilty verdicts for two counts of second degree murder.
This argument is unduly speculative. If the jury was given the option of second
degree murder and told to return a consistent verdict, it is possible the jury would have
returned two guilty verdicts for first degree murder and two firearm enhancements. This
is because the evidence of premeditation, at least as to Ms. Rojas, was overwhelming.
Alternatively, it is possible the jury would have returned one guilty verdict for first degree
murder, one guilty verdict for second degree murder, and two firearm enhancements.
Because the two firearm enhancements would have added 10 years to Mr. Quintero’s
sentence, under this scenario, his sentence probably would have been higher than his
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current sentence.4 We reject Mr. Quintero’s argument because he cannot establish, but
for counsel’s purported deficient performance, the outcome probably would have been
better.
4. Failure to object to inconsistent verdicts
Lastly, Mr. Quintero argues his trial counsel’s performance was deficient because
she failed to object to the inconsistent jury verdicts. Goins recognizes that not objecting
to inconsistent verdicts can be a legitimate defense strategy. Goins, 151 Wn.2d at 732.
As noted in the preceding section, an objection may well have resulted in a more severe
sentence.
FOURTH GROUND: VIOLATION OF RIGHT TO FAIR TRIAL
This fourth ground requires us to closely examine the arguments made in Mr.
Quintero’s timely petition and to determine whether arguments made later, in his second
4
According to the judgment and sentence, the court entered an offender score of
“8” for count 1 (first degree murder of Ms. Rojas), and “0” for count 2 (first degree
murder of Mr. Cano). CP at 200. On count 2, the standard range sentence was 240 to
320 months.
The standard range sentence for second degree murder with an offender score of
“0” was 123 to 220 months. See Sentencing Grid, RCW 9.94A.510; RCW 9.94A.515
(seriousness level XIV). Adding 120 months for two firearm enhancements results in a
standard range sentence for count 2 of 243 to 343 months. RCW 9.94A.533(3)(a). This
is slightly higher than 240 to 320 months.
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supplemental brief, raise new arguments and, if so, how that impacts Mr. Quintero’s
petition. We first discuss timeliness requirements.
A petitioner challenging a judgment and sentence has one year from the
time the judgment and sentence becomes final to file a personal restraint petition.
RCW 10.73.090(1), (2). In a supplemental brief, appointed counsel can only raise issues
not included in an original timely petition if they are raised within the one-year statutory
deadline or are issues that fall within an exception to the time bar. See In re Pers.
Restraint of Benn, 134 Wn.2d 868, 938-40, 952 P.2d 116 (1998) (denying petitioner’s
motion to file supplemental brief beyond one-year statutory deadline because new
arguments do not relate back to original petition and are thus untimely).
Here, Mr. Quintero’s judgment became final on December 10, 2020, when we
issued our mandate disposing of his direct appeal. RCW 10.73.090(3)(b). His petition,
filed in our court on November 23, 2021, is timely. But his second supplemental brief
that was filed in the spring of 2023 is not timely. Thus, any new arguments raised in that
brief are untimely.
In the heading of Mr. Quintero’s fourth ground in his timely petition, Mr. Quintero
asserts he was deprived of his “right to a fair trial under the Sixth and Fourteenth
Amendments of the U.S. Constitution and article I, § 22 and [§] 3 of the Washington
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constitution” when the judge (1) admitted unrelated rap lyrics as evidence, and (2) held
Jose Lozano in contempt numerous times in the presence of the jury. PRP at 30. In the
body of his argument, however, his fair trial claims relate solely to the rap lyric ruling and
requiring Jose Lozano to repeatedly assert the Fifth Amendment during his testimony.
Mr. Quintero repeatedly cites cases discussing the state and federal due process clauses,
not the Sixth Amendment. For this reason, we conclude that his fourth ground for relief
is limited to the due process clauses of the Fifth Amendment to the United States
Constitution and article I, section 3 of the Washington Constitution.
In Mr. Quintero’s second supplemental brief, he raises Sixth Amendment claims—
violation of his right to confront witnesses and prosecutorial misconduct. The closest Mr.
Quintero comes to raising a Sixth Amendment claim in his timely PRP is when he argues:
“The [S]tate was able to unfairly capitalize on the judge’s abuse of discretion [of
requiring Jose Lozano to repeatedly assert the Fifth Amendment] by referencing [Jose]
Lozano’s silence in closing arguments; thus, prejudicing [his] right to a fair trial.” PRP at
32. The gravamen of this argument relates to prejudice caused by the trial court’s ruling,
not prosecutorial misconduct.
Because Mr. Quintero did not timely raise the Sixth Amendment claims of
confrontation clause violation or prosecutorial misconduct, we will not consider them.
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See Benn, 134 Wn.2d at 938-40 (not considering claim first raised in late supplemental
brief).
1. Admission of the rap lyrics
Mr. Quintero argues that the admission of the rap lyrics he composed violated his
due process rights to a fair trial. We first determine whether the trial court abused its
discretion by admitting the lyrics and, if so, we then determine whether the violation was
a constitutional or a nonconstitutional error.
This court reviews a trial court’s evidentiary rulings for abuse of discretion.
State v. Rice, 48 Wn. App. 7, 11, 737 P.2d 726 (1987). A trial court abuses its discretion
if no reasonable person would take the view adopted by the trial court. State v. Jennings,
199 Wn.2d 53, 59, 502 P.3d 1255 (2022). Under ER 402, “[a]ll relevant evidence is
admissible.” “Relevant evidence” means evidence tending to make the existence of any
fact that is of consequence more probable or less probable. ER 401.
On the other hand, relevant evidence may be excluded if its probative value is
substantially outweighed by considerations including unfair prejudice, or other
considerations including needless presentation of cumulative evidence. ER 403.
Under ER 404(b),
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Evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts is not admissible to prove the
character of a person in order to show action in conformity therewith. It
may, however, be admissible for other purposes, such as proof of motive,
opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, or absence of
mistake or accident.
The State, relying on ER 404(b), argued the lyrics were relevant because they
proved Mr. Quintero’s motive to commit the murders. Yet the trial court admitted the
lyrics, not to show motive, but as an admission to the Walnut Street murders. “‘A trial
court’s ruling on the admissibility of evidence will not be disturbed on appeal if it is
sustainable on alternative grounds.’” Gilmore v. Jefferson County Pub. Transp. Benefit
Area, 190 Wn.2d 483, 498, 415 P.3d 212 (2018) (quoting Thomas v. French, 99 Wn.2d
95, 104, 659 P.2d 1097 (1983)). For this reason, we consider both “motive” and
“admission” as possible bases for admitting the lyrics.
a. Lyrics as evidence of motive: cumulative, prejudicial, and abuse of
discretion
Evidence showing motive may be admissible even though “the State is not
required to prove motive as an element of [first degree murder].” State v. Boot, 89 Wn.
App. 780, 789, 950 P.2d 964 (1998). “Motive is an inducement which tempts a mind to
commit a crime.” Id. Establishing motive “is often necessary when only circumstantial
evidence is available.” State v. Athan, 160 Wn.2d 354, 382, 158 P.3d 27 (2007).
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Here, the State did not rely only on circumstantial evidence to prove Mr.
Quintero’s motive. There was ample direct evidence of motive without admitting the rap
lyrics. The State produced uncontroverted evidence that Mr. Quintero and Mr. Lozano
were members of the same street gang, that one of the victims had been an informant
resulting in Mr. Lozano’s arrest and conviction, that gang culture discouraged
“snitching,” and that “snitches” could be murdered.
The rap lyrics were thus cumulative of uncontroverted evidence and, if the lyrics
were unduly prejudicial, their admission was likely erroneous.
Mr. Quintero cites a Washington case discussing the prejudicial impact of violent
fictional writings to show character or motive. This case is State v. Hanson, 46 Wn. App.
656, 731 P.2d 1140 (1987). In Hanson, the defendant was found guilty of first degree
assault. Id. at 658-59. On appeal, he argued the trial court erred in allowing the
prosecutor to cross-examine him using violent fiction he had written. Id. at 659. He
contended the questions regarding his fiction were irrelevant to his character for
nonviolence and were prejudicial. Id. at 660-61. The defendant argued “[a]bsent an
obvious reason why Hanson would have committed the crime, the jury may have seized
on the correlation between certain elements of his fiction and aspects of his personal life,
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to conclude that [he] was a violent person who was likely to commit this violent crime.”
Id. at 661 (footnote omitted). In addressing this argument, we reasoned:
Assuming arguendo that the defendant placed his character for
nonviolence in issue during his direct testimony, we hold that his writings
were irrelevant to rebut this character evidence. Without some further
foundation, the defendant’s writings were simply not probative. A writer of
crime fiction, for example, can hardly be said to have displayed criminal
propensities through works he or she has authored.
Even if we were to assume that [the defendant’s] writings were
probative of his character, any probative value would be overwhelmed by
the danger of unfair prejudice. The crime charged was a random, brutal act
of violence for which there was no apparent motive. By suggesting that the
defendant’s character conformed to the violent acts in his writings, the State
supplied the jury with an improper explanation for why the defendant would
have committed the crime charged.
Id. at 662. We held that admission of the fictional writings was reversible error, and we
remanded for a new trial. Id. at 664.
Because the lyrics, as evidence of motive, were highly prejudicial and cumulative
of uncontradicted evidence of motive, we conclude the trial court would have abused its
discretion had it admitted the lyrics for the State’s proffered purpose.
b. Lyrics to show admission, abuse of discretion
This specific issue, as it relates to rap lyrics, appears to be one of first impression
in Washington. Cases from other jurisdictions with similar fact patterns are persuasive on
this issue.
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In State v. Skinner, 218 N.J. 496, 501, 95 A.3d 236 (2014), the defendant and the
victim were members of a drug dealing group. The defendant and victim’s relationship
became strained over money. See id. One night, the defendant lured the victim to a park
under the guise of setting up a drug sale. Id. at 501-02. When the victim arrived at the
park, the defendant brandished a firearm and shot the victim. Id. at 502. The defendant’s
vehicle was at the scene and police obtained a warrant to search his car. Id. In it, police
discovered three notebooks filled with rap lyrics authored by the defendant. Id. The
lyrics were profane and violent. Id. Many of the lyrics were written in the first person
under the moniker “Real Threat” and the defendant had “Threat” tattooed on his left arm.
Id. at 502-03. All of the lyrics were written before the shooting. Id. at 503.
A grand jury indicted the defendant, charging him with first degree attempted
murder. Id. Prior to trial, the defendant objected to the State admitting his rap lyrics into
evidence. Id. The trial court ruled the lyrics were admissible under ER 404(b) because
they “provided insight into [the] defendant’s alleged motive and intent.” Id. At trial, a
detective read the defendant’s lyrics to the jury. Id. at 504. “The material was replete
with expletives and included graphic depictions of violence, bloodshed, death, maiming,
and dismemberment.” Id. The lyrics “plainly depict[ed] various crimes and other bad
acts, but those crimes and acts were unconnected to the specific facts of the attempted-
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murder charge against defendant.” Id. at 505. The jury was instructed to consider the
lyrics only for the limited purpose of establishing motive or intent, and not as substantive
evidence of guilt. Id. at 509. Ultimately, the jury convicted the defendant of attempted
murder. See id.The defendant appealed and New Jersey’s appellate court reversed the defendant’s
conviction. Id. at 506-07. The State then appealed to the New Jersey Supreme Court.
Id. at 507. The New Jersey Supreme Court intertwined its analysis of the defendant’s
ER 403 and ER 404(b) arguments:
[D]efendant’s graphically violent rap lyrics could be fairly viewed as
demonstrative of a propensity toward committing, or at the very least
glorifying, violence and death. That prejudicial effect overwhelms any
probative value that these lyrics may have. In fact, we detect little to no
probative value to the lyrics whatsoever.
Id. at 521. It reasoned,
[t]he difficulty in identifying probative value in fictional or other forms of
artistic self-expressive endeavors is that one cannot presume that, simply
because an author has chosen to write about certain topics, he or she has
acted in accordance with those views. One would not presume that Bob
Marley, who wrote the well-known song “I Shot the Sheriff,” actually shot
a sheriff, or that Edgar Allan Poe buried a man beneath his floorboards, as
depicted in his short story “The Tell-Tale Heart,” simply because of their
respective artistic endeavors on those subjects. Defendant’s lyrics should
receive no different treatment.
Id. at 521-22. The New Jersey Supreme Court concluded,
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[f]ictional forms of inflammatory self-expression, such as poems, musical
compositions, and other like writings about bad acts, wrongful acts, or
crimes, are not properly evidential unless the writing reveals a strong nexus
between the specific details of the artistic composition and the
circumstances of the underlying offense for which a person is charged, and
the probative value of that evidence outweighs its apparent prejudicial
impact. In the weighing process, trial courts should consider the existence
of other evidence that can be used to make the same point. When
admissible, such evidence should be carefully redacted to ensure that
irrelevant and inflammatory content is not needlessly presented to the jury.
Id. at 500 (emphasis added). The court affirmed the appellate court’s ruling reversing the
defendant’s conviction and remanded for a new trial. Id. at 525.
In Hannah v. State, 420 Md. 339, 342-46, 23 A.3d 192 (2011), the State offered
into evidence rap lyrics authored by the defendant. The Maryland Court of Appeals
concluded that where “there [was] no evidence that [the defendant’s] lyrics [were]
autobiographical statements of historical fact,” the prejudicial impact of the lyrics was
overwhelming. Id. at 349-50. The lyrics “had no tendency to prove any issue other than
the issue of whether [the defendant] was a violent thug with a propensity to commit the
crimes for which he was on trial.” Id. at 357. The Hannah court remanded for a new
trial. Id.In Greene v. Commonwealth, 197 S.W.3d 76, 79 (Ky. 2006), a defendant was
convicted of murdering his wife. On appeal, the defendant claimed the trial court erred
when it admitted portions of a “‘hip hop’” video depicting the defendant rapping about
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his wife’s death. Id. Medical evidence admitted at trial established that the defendant
killed his wife by cutting her throat. Id. The rap video, which was played during trial,
depicted the defendant saying things such as “‘I ain’t got no f—ing wife,’” “‘I cut her
motherf—in’ neck with a sword,’” and “‘I’m sittin’ in the cell starin’ at four walls.’”
Id. at 86. The defendant argued the rap video was simply character evidence introduced
to prove his criminal disposition. Id. at 87. The Kentucky Supreme Court concluded the
probative value of the evidence was not substantially outweighed by the prejudicial effect
because “the video refers to [the defendant’s] actions and emotions regarding this crime,
not a previous offense, [and] the video establishes premeditation and motive in [the
defendant’s] own words.” Id. The court affirmed the trial court’s admission of the video.
Id.
In Holmes v. State, 129 Nev. 567, 569, 306 P.3d 415 (2013), the defendant was
convicted of first degree murder and robbery. Two men, the defendant and another
assailant, wore ski masks and accosted the victims in the parking lot of a recording studio.
Id. at 570. During the fight, one of the victim’s pockets was turned inside out, his shirt
and necklace were torn off, he was pistol-whipped, and later shot to death. Id. While
awaiting extradition to Nevada, the defendant penned a rap song titled “‘Drug Deala.’”
Id. at 572. The trial court admitted the following lyrics:
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“But now I’m uh big dog, my static is real large. Uh neighborhood super
star. Man I push uh hard line. My attitude shitty nigga you don’t want to
test this. I catching slipping at the club and jack you for your necklace.
Fuck parking lot pimping. Man I’m parking lot jacking, running through
your pockets with uh ski mask on straight laughing.”
Id. The jury was given a limiting instruction: “‘[T]hese rap lyrics [are] not to be
considered by you to prove that the defendant is a person of bad character or that he has a
disposition to commit a crime. . . . You may . . . consider if the above lyrics are
confessions, admissions, o[r] neither.’” Id. at 572-73 (alterations in original).
The Nevada Supreme Court noted that only a single stanza from “Drug Deala” was
admitted at trial and the portion that was admitted relayed facts much like the crime
charged. Id. at 574. Based on the limiting instruction, the court reasoned that if the jury
followed the instructions, they only would have considered the lyrics if they found them
to be autobiographical, like a diary or journal entry. Id. at 575-76. It held that “[e]ven
though the lyrics were prejudicial, the district court did not abuse its discretion in
determining that the risk they carried of unfair prejudice did not substantially outweigh
their probative value.” Id. at 576.
The foregoing case explanations demonstrate that, unless there is a strong nexus
between the lyrics and the crimes charged, the probative effect of admitting violent lyrics
or writings into evidence is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice.
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In his timely petition, Mr. Quintero emphasizes that the lead detective in the case
saw no connection between his lyrics and the Walnut Street murders. In his second
supplemental brief, Mr. Quintero argues redacting the lyrics took them out of context and
that none of the lyrics presented to the jury have a factual nexus to the crimes for which
he was charged. To address this argument, we must analyze several lines of Mr.
Quintero’s lyrics.
The first set of lyrics, “G-CODE” had 54 lines, but the jury saw only a few of
them. The first line admitted at trial was “CASES GOING COLD NO MATTER HOW
MUCH DEDICATION THIS AINT BRAGGIN.” Mr. Quintero contends this line is not
tied to the facts of this case because the redacted line before it states “WE GOT THEM
FEDS IN TOWN HOMICIDE INVESTIGATIONS.” CP at 61. He notes that there was
not a federal homicide investigation of the Walnut Street murders at the time he wrote the
lyrics. The State responds that the line relates to the Walnut Street murders because the
investigation of those murders took a long time. Because Mr. Quintero’s contention is
sufficiently plausible, we conclude there is not a strong nexus between this lyric and the
crimes charged.
The next line, “SHOUT OUT TO THE HOMIES DOING TIME IN [CLALLAM]
BAY,” also provides no factual nexus to the murders for which Mr. Quintero was
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charged. Mr. Quintero wrote his lyrics in October 2015. Charges for the Walnut Street
murders were not filed until April 2016. For this reason, no one would be doing time in
October 2015 for those murders. The State contends this line was a reference to Mr.
Lozano because he went to prison shortly after the Walnut Street murders based on his
conviction stemming from the controlled buy with Ms. Rojas. Even if the line does refer
to Mr. Lozano, it has no factual nexus to the Walnut Street murders.
The third line admitted was “AND ONE EIGHT SEVEN GREEN LIGHT TO
ALL THEM KNOWN RATAS.” Mr. Quintero argues this line should be read in context
with the lines before it. Those lines include: “MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE IS
WHAT THE PAPERS SAID” and “ANOTHER 4 HOMIES ON THE LOCKDOWNS
WHAT I READ.” CP at 62. Mr. Quintero asserts there was no evidence presented that
information about the Walnut Street murders was in the newspapers at the time he wrote
the lyrics. However, there was a newspaper article on the Green Lantern murder
published in the Tri-City Herald on October 25, 2015. That newspaper article reflects
that Mr. Carmona Hernandez and his three accomplices were arrested for the Green
Lantern incident. Mr. Quintero contends the redacted lines refer to the Green Lantern
incident and the “GREEN LIGHT” line does also because the victim in that case was a
snitch/rata who had testified against a fellow gang member. The State contends the
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“GREEN LIGHT” line refers to Ms. Rojas being a snitch. Because Mr. Quintero’s
contention is very plausible, we conclude there is not a strong nexus between that lyric
and the Walnut Street murders.
The next lines, “THEY HIT EM WITH THE 500,000 ON THE BAIL[;] SO AINT
NO [ONE] OUT OF JAIL YET THE HOMIES KEEP IT QUIET,” Mr. Quintero
contends these lines further reinforce the argument that the lyrics are about the Green
Lantern incident. He contends this is so because Mr. Carmona Hernandez was held on
$500,000 bail for his involvement in the Green Lantern incident. At the time he wrote the
lyrics, Mr. Quintero had not been charged with the Walnut Street murders and was being
held on $100,000 bail. We conclude that these lines do not provide any factual nexus to
the Walnut Street murders.
Portions of “AINT NO PEACE TREATY” were also admitted at trial. That rap
had 48 lines and the jury saw 6 of them. Mr. Quintero argues the rap in its unredacted
form is filled with generalized braggadocio about gang life. He contends there is a
reference to a “rat” but it is mere speculation to assume the lyric is about Ms. Rojas. He
provides numerous persuasive authorities discussing how references to “snitches” is
widespread in rap music and has become a central theme. See Michael A. Gregory,
Montague v. State: From Bars to Bars—A Riff for Narrow Interpretation of Hip-Hop
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Lyrics in Criminal Prosecutions, 81 MD. L. R. ONLINE 107, 130 (2022); Michael
Gregory, Murder was the Case That They Gave Me: Defendant’s Rap Lyrics As Evidence
in a Criminal Trial, 25 B.U. PUB. INT. L.J. 329, 355 (2016).
Regarding the line “THE MUZZLE KEEPS FLASHIN IT KEEPS THE BODY
SHAKING,” Mr. Quintero argues it is ambiguous. He contends the line could be talking
about the victim being shot four times during the Green Lantern incident. And, although
Mr. Carmona Hernandez testified that Mr. Quintero told him that he could see Ms.
Rojas’s body moving while the bullets hit her, the lyrics also talk about shooting a person
in the head and Ms. Rojas was not shot in the head. Outside of the mention of a “rat” and
the reference to “the body shaking,” which both are ambiguous at best and cannot be said
to have “a strong nexus” to the Walnut Street murders, the remaining lyrics are
generalized lyrics of violence and have no factual nexus to the crimes.
Because neither rap lyric has a strong factual nexus to the Walnut Street murders,
their prejudicial effect substantially outweighed their probative value. The trial court did
not engage in a weighing process similar to the one outlined in Skinner. The admitted
lyrics posed a significant risk that the jury would use them to conclude Mr. Quintero was
a violent person who had a violent character and criminal propensity. As such, Mr.
Quintero’s jury may have arrived at its decision to convict him by relying on the
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impermissible character evidence found in the lyrics. We conclude that the lyrics should
have been excluded under ER 403.5
2. Repeatedly telling the jury that Jose Lozano did not have a valid Fifth
Amendment right
Mr. Quintero contends the trial court erred when it repeatedly told the jury that
Jose Lozano did not have a valid Fifth Amendment right. Mr. Quintero claims this error
was highly prejudicial because it allowed the State to argue that Jose Lozano was
protecting Mr. Quintero. The State responds that the trial court properly concluded that
Jose Lozano did not have a valid Fifth Amendment right, and its argument to the jury was
proper under established principles. We agree with Mr. Quintero.
This court reviews a trial court’s decision on a claim of privilege for abuse of
discretion. Ruiz, 176 Wn. App. at 636. However, whether a privilege is available is a
question of law this court reviews de novo. State v. Meza, 22 Wn. App. 2d 514, 525, 512
P.3d 608, review denied, 200 Wn.2d 1021, 520 P.3d 978 (2022).
5
In its briefing to our court, the State objected to Mr. Quintero relying on
ER 404(b) to exclude the rap lyrics. It argues he waived the argument because he failed
to cite ER 404(b) to the trial court. We view ER 404(b) as irrelevant here. The trial court
did not admit the lyrics to show Mr. Quintero’s character. Rather, it admitted the lyrics
because they contained veiled admissions by Mr. Quintero that he committed the Walnut
Street murders.
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Fifth Amendment privilege
Washington courts recognize an obligation of a witness to testify. Ruiz, 176 Wn.
App. at 635. The primary exception to that obligation is the Fifth Amendment privilege
against compulsory self-incrimination. Id. When properly invoked, the privilege extends
to any question for which the witness “has ‘reasonable cause to apprehend danger from a
direct answer.’” State v. Levy, 156 Wn.2d 709, 731-32, 132 P.3d 1076 (2006) (internal
quotation marks omitted) (quoting Hoffman v. United States, 341 U.S. 479, 486, 71 S. Ct.
814, 95 L. Ed. 1118 (1951)).
Generally, “[w]hen a person has been convicted of a crime and there is no longer
any possibility of appeal, the Fifth Amendment privilege no longer exists because there is
no potential jeopardy for testifying.” Ruiz, 176 Wn. App. at 636. In Ruiz, five men were
murdered by two gunmen. Id. at 627. Prior to Ruiz’s trial, his codefendant had pleaded
guilty and testified under oath at the plea hearing, explaining that he and Ruiz had
committed the murders. Id. At Ruiz’s trial, the defense sought to prevent the State from
calling the codefendant, arguing that he would assert his Fifth Amendment privilege.
Id. at 630. The trial court denied Ruiz’s motion, and the prosecution called the
codefendant to testify. Id. The prosecutor asked the codefendant nearly 30 questions, all
of which the codefendant answered, “‘I plead the Fifth.’” Id. at 631-33. After each
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question, the trial court ordered the codefendant to answer the question, and the
codefendant refused. Id. at 631. The jury convicted Ruiz, and he appealed to this court.
Id. at 633.
On appeal, Ruiz argued it was error for the court to call the codefendant and the
prosecutor to question him in light of his refusal to answer. Id. at 633-34. The parties
conceded that the codefendant did not have a valid Fifth Amendment protection because
he did not appeal his sentence following his guilty plea. See id. at 636. Ultimately, this
court held no valid privilege existed, and the trial court did not err in denying the
defense’s motion to exclude the codefendant’s testimony. Id. at 639-40.
However, the general rule set out in Ruiz does not contemplate a state’s witness
being put in jeopardy of federal prosecution. “[T]he constitutional privilege against self-
incrimination protects a state witness against incrimination under federal as well as state
law and a federal witness against incrimination under state as well as federal law.”
Murphy v. Waterfront Comm’n of New York Harbor, 378 U.S. 52, 77-78, 84 S. Ct. 1594,
12 L. Ed. 2d 678 (1964), abrogated on other grounds by United States v. Balsys, 524 U.S.
666, 118 S. Ct. 2218, 141 L. Ed. 2d 575 (1998) (holding that concern with foreign
international prosecution was beyond the scope of the Fifth Amendment privilege against
self-incrimination). In other words, “a state witness may not be compelled to give
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testimony which may be incriminating under federal law” unless the federal government
is prohibited from making use of the compelled testimony and its fruits. Murphy, 378
U.S. at 79.
Mr. Quintero cites In re Contempt of Ecklund, 636 N.W.2d 585 (Minn. Ct. App.
2001) to support his argument. In Ecklund, the State had charged the appellant with three
criminal counts, including second degree murder. Id. at 587. The appellant pleaded
guilty to second degree murder and all other charges were dismissed. Id. The appellant
was called to testify at a codefendant’s trial, but she asserted her Fifth Amendment
privilege against self-incrimination and refused to testify. Id. The trial court found the
appellant in contempt for refusing to testify. Id. She appealed the contempt order.
See id.On appeal, the State argued the appellant had waived her Fifth Amendment
privilege by entering a guilty plea. Id. at 589. The Minnesota Court of Appeals
disagreed, reasoning that the appellant had a legitimate concern about the possibility of a
federal indictment. Id. Citing Murphy, the court stated, “[t]he Fifth Amendment
privilege applies to a witness in a state prosecution who can show that her testimony
could be used against her in a federal prosecution.” Id. The court concluded that the trial
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court had erred by finding the appellant had waived her Fifth Amendment rights and
overturned the contempt order. Id. at 589-90.
There appears to be no published Washington cases on point. However, Division
Two of this court has examined a similar issue in two unpublished opinions. See State v.
Jones, No. 47121-3-II (Wash. Ct. App. Feb. 2, 2017) (unpublished) https://www.
courts.wa.gov/opinions/pdf/D2%2047121-3-II%20Unpublished%20Opinion.pdf;
State v. Scanlan, noted at 153 Wn. App. 1039, 2009 WL 5070420 at *3-4. Both opinions
are consistent with Murphy and Ecklund.
Here, Jose Lozano asserted his Fifth Amendment privilege and refused to testify.
Citing Ruiz, the trial court ruled that Jose Lozano had a duty to testify and that the Fifth
Amendment did not apply to the questions asked of him. As previously mentioned, Jose
Lozano pleaded guilty to two counts of first degree rendering criminal assistance for his
participation in the murders. Under ordinary circumstances, Jose Lozano’s right to
invoke the privilege would no longer exist following his state conviction, but Jose Lozano
was concerned about his testimony putting him in jeopardy of federal criminal liability.
The evidence against Jose Lozano in the Walnut Street shooting was as follows.
Jose Lozano drove Mr. Quintero and Mr. Lozano to Walnut Street the night of the
murders. Jose Lozano admitted to being involved. The silver van used in the shootings
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generally matched the one owned by Jose Lozano’s parents. Jose Lozano returned to the
party stating, “‘We just smoked the snitch.’” RP at 30.
During the offer of proof, Jose Lozano’s counsel explained to the trial court that he
had advised his client to invoke his Fifth Amendment privilege. Counsel argued that the
vehicle Jose Lozano used to participate in the murders could possibly be connected with
larger, federal RICO conspiracy charges. The prosecutor countered that he did not
believe federal authorities would be interested in Jose Lozano unless firearms were
involved, and he had no intention of asking Jose Lozano any questions about firearms.
Jose Lozano’s counsel reiterated it was his job to protect his client from liability no matter
how minute the possibility of that liability may be. And it was not unreasonable for Jose
Lozano’s counsel to be concerned about federal RICO liability given Jose Lozano’s
membership in the 18th Street Gang.
RICO is codified in 18 U.S.C. §§ 1961-1968. It is a violation of RICO for “any
person employed by or associated with any enterprise . . . to conduct or participate,
directly or indirectly, in the conduct of such enterprise’s affairs through a pattern of
racketeering activity” or to conspire to do so. 18 U.S.C. § 1962(c), (d). Under
18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5), attempting or conspiring to commit murder in aid of
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racketeering is punishable by imprisonment of up to 10 years.6 And lastly, under
18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i), a person who possesses a firearm in relation to any crime of
violence shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than five years. Federal
circuit courts have held criminal street gangs can be enterprises under RICO. United
States v. Ramirez-Rivera, 800 F.3d 1, 19 (1st Cir. 2015); United States v. Kamahele, 748
F.3d 984, 1003-05 (10th Cir. 2014). And the United States District Attorney has secured
convictions after prosecuting gang members for conspiring to violate RICO. See, e.g.,
United States v. Garcia, 793 F.3d 1194, 1199 (10th Cir. 2015); United States v. Nieto,
721 F.3d 357 (5th Cir. 2013); United States v. Harris, 695 F.3d 1125, 1136 (10th Cir.
2012).
Regardless of whether federal agents were planning to pursue charges against Jose
Lozano, he had reasonable cause to believe he was in danger of being prosecuted. His
own lawyer told the trial court as much. Thus, the trial court abused its discretion when it
concluded that Jose Lozano lacked a valid Fifth Amendment right to refuse to testify.
The trial court’s error was compounded when it forced Jose Lozano to invoke his
Fifth Amendment right in front of the jury. In Ruiz, we explained:
6
18 U.S.C. § 1959 has been held to be unconstitutional as applied to juveniles.
See United States v. Under Seal, 819 F.3d 715 (4th Cir. 2016).
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Washington has long rejected the practice of forcing a witness to invoke a
privilege, whether constitutional or statutory, in front of the jury. The basis
for that “is that the State cannot and will not be permitted to put forward an
inference of guilt, which necessarily flows from an imputation that the
accused has suppressed or is withholding evidence, when by statute or
constitution he simply is not compelled to produce the evidence.” The
government may not change the shield of protective privilege into an
evidentiary sword.
Ruiz, 176 Wn. App. at 637-38 (citations omitted).
The error was further compounded because it allowed the State to argue to the jury
that Jose Lozano’s refusal to testify benefited only one person, Mr. Quintero, and his
assertion of the privilege meant Mr. Quintero was one of the shooters.
3. Nature of errors
Mr. Quintero fails to argue how these evidentiary errors violated his constitutional
due process rights. “‘[N]aked castings into the constitutional sea are not sufficient to
command judicial consideration and discussion.’” In re Rosier, 105 Wn.2d 606, 616,
717 P.2d 1353 (1986) (quoting United States v. Phillips, 433 F.2d 1364, 1366 (8th Cir.
1970)). For this reason, we treat these evidentiary errors as nonconstitutional.
FIFTH GROUND: MITIGATING FACTORS OF YOUTH
Mr. Quintero argues his right against cruel and unusual punishment was violated
when the trial court failed to consider mitigating factors of youth and imposed a de facto
life sentence. He contends he is entitled to resentencing under Miller v. Alabama,
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567 U.S. 460, 489, 132 S. Ct. 2455, 183 L. Ed. 2d 407 (2012) (holding mandatory life
without parole sentences for juveniles violates the Eighth Amendment). He also cites
State v. Haag, 198 Wn.2d 309, 329, 495 P.3d 241 (2021) (holding a de facto life sentence
for a juvenile was unconstitutional where the resentencing court found the defendant was
“‘not irretrievably depraved nor irreparably corrupt’”); In re Pers. Restraint of
Monschke, 197 Wn.2d 305, 329, 482 P.3d 276 (2021) (plurality opinion where the court
considered whether the sentencing statute for aggravated first degree murder was
unconstitutional as applied to 19- and 20-year-olds); and State v. Houston-Sconiers, 188
Wn.2d 1, 34, 391 P.3d 409 (2017) (holding when sentencing juveniles as adults, a trial
court has full discretion to consider the defendant’s youth and depart from the sentencing
guidelines).
Recent decisions out of the Washington Supreme Court foreclose Mr. Quintero’s
argument. The court has never held “that 21-year-olds are equivalent to juveniles for
Miller sentencing protections.” In re Pers. Restraint of Davis, 200 Wn.2d 75, 87, 514
P.3d 653 (2022). In Davis, the court rejected arguments similar to Mr. Quintero’s.
Just like Mr. Quintero, the petitioner in Davis was 21 years old when he committed
his crime and was later convicted of first degree murder. Id. at 77. The trial court
sentenced the petitioner to 767 months in prison. Id. at 79. In an untimely PRP, the
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petitioner argued he received a de facto life sentence that was unconstitutional under
Haag. Id. at 86-87. The petitioner contended Haag required a sentencing court to
consider mitigating evidence of youth and the analysis should be applied to late-aged
adolescents. Id. However, the court concluded that no such finding was required because
21 year olds are not equivalent to juveniles for Miller sentencing protections. Id. at 87.
Ultimately, the Davis court concluded the petitioner failed to show actual and substantial
prejudice and affirmed Division One’s dismissal of the petition. Id. at 80, 89-90.
Here, the trial court sentenced Mr. Quintero to 780 months in prison. During its
oral ruling, the court stated: “I did take into consideration the defendant’s life situation,
age, maturity level, those sorts of things. Frankly, under the circumstances, it didn’t
count for a whole lot.” RP at 1474. Although the trial court, perhaps nominally,
considered Mr. Quintero’s youth at sentencing, it was not required to do so. For this
reason, Mr. Quintero is unable to show the trial court erred and he is not entitled to relief
on this claim.
GROUND ASSERTED IN CONCLUSION: INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF APPELLATE
COUNSEL
In the conclusion of his timely PRP, Mr. Quintero argues his appellate counsel
performed deficiently by failing to raise the issues he now raises and, had they been
raised, the outcome of his appeal would have been different. We disagree.
61
No. 38585-0-III
In re Pers. Restraint of Quintero
To establish ineffective assistance of appellate counsel, a petitioner must establish
that (1) counsel’s performance was deficient and (2) counsel’s deficient performance
prejudiced the petitioner. Smith v. Robbins, 528 U.S. 259, 285, 120 S. Ct. 746, 145 L. Ed.
2d 756 (2000); In re Pers. Restraint of Serano Salinas, 189 Wn.2d 747, 759, 408 P.3d
344 (2018); In re Pers. Restraint of Morris, 176 Wn.2d 157, 166, 288 P.3d 1140 (2012);
In re Pers. Restraint of Orange, 152 Wn.2d 795, 814, 100 P.3d 291 (2004).
Here, Mr. Quintero has demonstrated meritorious claims on two issues—the trial
court abused its discretion by admitting his rap lyrics, and the trial court erred by
concluding that Jose Lozano did not have a valid Fifth Amendment right to assert.
“Reviewing courts must be highly deferential to counsel’s performance and
‘should recognize that counsel is strongly presumed to have rendered adequate assistance
and made all significant decisions in the exercise of reasonable professional judgment.’”
State v. Carson, 184 Wn.2d 207, 216, 357 P.3d 1064 (2015) (quoting Strickland v.
Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 690, 104 S. Ct. 2052, 80 L. Ed. 2d 674 (1984)). “‘When
counsel’s conduct can be characterized as legitimate trial strategy or tactics, performance
is not deficient.’” Id. at 218 (quoting State v. Kyllo, 166 Wn.2d 856, 863, 215 P.3d 177(2009)). This presumption can be overcome if the defendant can establish that “‘there is
no conceivable legitimate tactic explaining counsel’s performance.’” Id. (internal
62
No. 38585-0-III
In re Pers. Restraint of Quintero
quotation marks omitted) (quoting Grier, 171 Wn.2d at 33). “We must resist the
temptation to substitute our own personal judgment for [defendant’s] attorney because ‘it
is all too easy for a court, examining counsel’s defense after it has proved unsuccessful, to
conclude that a particular act or omission of counsel was unreasonable.’” Id. at 220
(quoting Strickland, 466 U.S. at 689). Indeed, one reasonable trial strategy is to not make
alternative arguments because it can be taken as a sign that the attorney believes his first
argument is weak. Id. at 221. These standards apply to claims of ineffective assistance of
trial counsel, and we see no reason why they should not apply equally to claims of
ineffective assistance of appellate counsel.
In addition, a reasonable appellate strategy is to raise claims of error that are
reviewed de novo, such as constitutional claims, while avoid raising claims of error that
are reviewed for an abuse of discretion, such as evidentiary rulings. See WASH. STATE
BAR ASS’N, WASHINGTON APPELLATE PRACTICE DESKBOOK, § 3.3 Evaluate an Appeal in
Light of the Appellate Process, at 17-22 (4th ed. 2016).
Here, appellate counsel on direct review argued the trial court violated Mr.
Quintero’s constitutional right to a fair trial by excluding highly relevant evidence. That
evidence was the State’s agreement to assist two critical witnesses’ U visa applications if
they provided helpful information for prosecuting Mr. Quintero. This was a
63
No. 38585-0-III
In re Pers. Restraint of Quintero
constitutional claim, reviewed de novo, supported by appellate decisions in several states.
Yet the argument did not prevail.
As noted above, we must resist the temptation of using hindsight to conclude that
appellate counsel was deficient, either because the argument raised proved unsuccessful
or because two successful arguments could have been raised. Those successful
arguments related to an evidentiary error and a nonconstitutional error. It is a reasonable
appellate strategy to raise claims of constitutional error and avoid raising claims of
evidentiary error. Despite the benefit of hindsight, we conclude that appellate counsel
was not deficient for failing to spot and raise the prevailing arguments. Because Mr.
Quintero cannot establish deficient performance, we reject his claim of ineffective
assistance of appellate counsel.
CUMULATIVE ERROR
In his second supplemental brief, filed after the statutory one-year bar, Mr.
Quintero first argues the doctrine of cumulative error. He argues the errors related to
admission of the rap lyrics and the trial court repeatedly telling the jury that Jose Lozano
did not have a valid Fifth Amendment right, cumulatively created actual and substantial
prejudice.
64
No. 38585-0-III
In re Pers. Restraint of Quintero
The State contends that Mr. Quintero’s cumulative error argument is an untimely
claim, resulting in his petition becoming “mixed,” and subject to dismissal. We disagree.
“A petition which relies upon RCW 10.73.100 to overcome the one-year time bar
in RCW 10.73.090 cannot be based upon any grounds other than the six grounds in
RCW 10.73.100.” In re Pers. Restraint of Stenson, 150 Wn.2d 207, 220, 76 P.3d 241(2003). A petition that violates this rule is termed “mixed” and must be automatically
dismissed. Id. Here, Mr. Quintero filed a timely petition. He is not relying upon
RCW 10.73.100 to overcome the one-year time bar in RCW 10.73.090(1). Thus, the
“mixed” petition rule does not apply.
We also disagree that a cumulative error argument is a new claim. Under the
cumulative error doctrine, a petitioner may be entitled to a new trial when cumulative
errors produce a trial that is fundamentally unfair. In re Pers. Restraint of Lord, 123
Wn.2d 296, 332, 868 P.2d 835 (1994). Understood in this manner, the doctrine merely
provides a remedy for cumulative errors. If the claims of error upon which the
cumulative error argument is based are timely raised, a remedy is not barred.
B. PREJUDICE
As noted previously, a petitioner seeking postconviction relief must demonstrate
he was actually and substantially prejudiced as a result of constitutional error or that the
65
No. 38585-0-III
In re Pers. Restraint of Quintero
trial suffered from a fundamental defect in nonconstitutional error that resulted in a
complete miscarriage of justice. Swagerty, 186 Wn.2d at 807.
Outside of very general statements,7 we find no Washington authority describing
standards for determining when nonconstitutional errors, such as the two here, will result
in a petitioner being granted collateral relief. We thus look to similar federal habeas
corpus standards for guidance. See In Pers. Restraint of Cook, 114 Wn.2d 802, 812,
792 P.2d 506 (1990) (adopting the federal habeas corpus standard for nonconstitutional
error review).
Generally, to succeed on a writ of habeas corpus, “a defendant must show a
‘fundamental defect’ in the proceedings which necessarily results in a complete
miscarriage of justice or an egregious error violative of due process.” Gall v. United
States, 21 F.3d 107, 109 (6th Cir. 1994) (quoting United States v. Ferguson, 918 F.2d
627, 630 (6th Cir. 1990)). Nonconstitutional claims not raised at trial or on direct appeal
are waived for collateral review except where the errors amount to something akin to a
denial of due process. Grant v. United States, 72 F.3d 503, 506 (6th Cir. 1996).
7
See In re Pers. Restraint of Carrier, 173 Wn.2d 791, 818, 272 P.3d 209 (2012);
In re Pers. Restraint of Goodwin, 146 Wn.2d 861, 868, 50 P.3d 618 (2002).
66
No. 38585-0-III
In re Pers. Restraint of Quintero
A review of federal circuit authority provides a litany of standards from which to
choose. One of the more helpful standards is set forth in Wood v. Ercole, 644 F.3d 83(2nd Cir. 2011), and is summarized in the following extensive quote from Corpus Juris
Secundum:
The erroneous admission of prejudicial evidence will justify . . . relief only
if such admission was a crucial, highly significant factor in the conviction.
In assessing whether the erroneous admission of evidence had a substantial
and injurious effect on a jury’s decision, a . . . court considers the
importance of the wrongly admitted evidence and the overall strength of the
prosecution’s case. The importance of wrongly admitted evidence is
determined by the prosecutor’s conduct with respect to the evidence,
whether the evidence bore on an issue plainly critical to the jury’s decision,
and whether it was material to the establishment of a critical fact or whether
it was instead corroborated and cumulative. The strength of the
prosecution’s case, absent erroneously admitted evidence, is probably the
single most critical factor . . . .
39 C.J.S. Habeas Corpus § 156 (2023).
Here, the State’s strongest evidence was the testimony of Mr. Quintero’s two
cellmates. They both testified that Mr. Quintero told them that he shot Ms. Rojas and Mr.
Cano and told them why and how he committed the murders. In our review of the
prosecutor’s closing argument, he plainly emphasized the testimony from these two
witnesses more than any other evidence. He additionally emphasized that both witnesses
should be believed because their testimony came at a high cost—as “snitches” and they
were at risk of being killed.
67
No. 38585-0-111
In re Pers. Restraint of Quintero
The prosecutor did discuss the rap lyrics written by Mr. Quintero and argued why
they related to the Walnut Street murders. He also discussed Jose Lozano's refusal to
testify and argued why the jury should infer Jose Lozano was protecting Mr. Quintero.
Both of these arguments were secondary arguments, yet both were potentially prejudicial.
In our review of the strength of the State's case, we note that both cellmate
witnesses had motivations to cooperate with the State. Both received promises from the
State of assistance for U visa applications and one received a substantial reduction in
charges and a favorable sentence for his testimony. But simply because both had these
motivations to cooperate, does not mean they both lied.
As mentioned above, the clear emphasis of the prosecutor's closing arguments was
the testimony of the two cellmates. Based upon our review of the evidence and how the
prosecutor argued the case to the jury, we conclude that the prosecution's case was
strong, even absent the erroneously admitted evidence. We conclude that the
nonconstitutional errors were not a fundamental defect in the trial that resulted in a
complete miscarriage of justice. Mr. Quintero's petition is denied.
"'<,'\.• ~""""''"'
Lawrence-Berrey J.
I CONCUR:
c~cz
Cooney, J.
68
No. 38585-0-III
FEARING, CJ. (concurring)-! concur in the majority's opinion but write
separately because I conclude the question of whether we should consider Jose
Quintero's second supplemental brief is a closer call than suggested in the majority
opinion. The question deserves fuller exploration. I also write separately to analyze Jose
Quintero's argument that the trial court violated his due process rights when the court
permitted introduction of rap lyrics as evidence and repeatedly held Jose Lozano in
contempt for refusing to answer the prosecution's questions.
Second Supplemental Brief
RCW 10.73.090 imposes a one-year limitation period on the filing of a personal
restraint petition. The one-year limitation period commences when the petitioner's
judgment becomes "final." In re Personal Restraint Petition of Skylstad, 160 Wn.2d 944,
947, 162 P.3d 413 (2007).
The Rules of Appellate Procedure (RAPs) govern personal restraint petitions. In
re Personal Restraint Petition of Haghighi, 178 Wn.2d 435,446, 309 P.3d 459 (2013).
The RAPs neither authorize nor prohibit amendments to personal restraint petitions.
Personal Restraint Petition ofHaghighi, 178 Wn.2d 435, 446 (2013). Washington
courts, however, allow an amendment provided the amendment is timely asserted. In re
Personal Restraint Petition of Bonds, 165 Wn.2d 135, 140, 196 P.3d 672 (2008).
Washington law bars the amendment from relating back to the time of the filing of the
No. 38585-0-III (concurring)
Personal Restraint Petition of Quintero
personal restraint petition for purposes of complying with the one-year time limit.
Personal Restraint Petition of Haghighi, 178 Wn.2d 435, 446 (2013).
Jose Quintero's judgment of conviction became final on December 10, 2020. He
filed a timely personal restraint petition on November 23, 2021. In this petition,
Quintero, among other contentions, asserted, in a heading, that the admission of the rap
lyrics and the repeated holding of Jose Lozano in contempt breached his right to a fair
trial under both the state and United States Constitutions. But in the body of his brief, he
cited only due process cases and law in support of this ground for granting the petition.
A petitioner must support his arguments with citation to legal authority. In re
Personal Restraint Petition of Waggy, 111 Wn. App. 511, 518-19, 45 P.3d 1103 (2002).
When the petitioner cites legal authority that discusses unrelated law, the petitioner does
not support his petition with legal authority. Thus, this court correctly refuses to address
Jose Quintero's argument that the trial court's ruling denied him a right to a fair trial.
Conceivably, we could also refuse to address an argument based on the Due Process
Clause because Quintero, in his heading, asserted only the right to a fair trial. But we
would act overtechnically, if not absurdly.
Jose Quintero filed a supplemental brief in Spring 2023 that the Supreme Court
would deem an amended petition. In re Personal Restraint Petition of Benn, 134 Wn.2d
868, 884 n.3, 952 P.2d 116 (1998). In this supplemental brief, Quintero asserts the Sixth
Amendment rights to a fair trial and to confront witnesses and prosecutorial misconduct.
We rule the amendment untimely.
2
No. 38585-0-111 ( concurring)
Personal Restraint Petition of Quintero
In his quest for this court to review the merits of his second supplemental brief,
Jose Quintero contends that a petitioner may, in later filings, support the same ground for
relief in different arguments. He argues that his Sixth Amendment and prosecutorial
misconduct assignments of error constitute the same ground for relief as his earlier due
process ground. I disagree. He impliedly concedes that his prosecutorial misconduct
contention is unrelated.
Jose Quintero cites Personal Restraint Petition ofBenn, 134 Wn.2d 868 (1998),
and In re Personal Restraint Petition ofDavis, 152 Wn.2d 647, 101 P.3d 1 (2004), to
support his contention that he does not assert a new ground in his second supplemental
brief. If Benn and Davis addressed an amendment to a personal restraint petition, the two
decisions would benefit Quintero. Nevertheless, in Benn, the Supreme Court determined
whether the accused raised a new ground for relief in the personal restraint petition that
he did not raise on appeal. In Davis, the court did not address either situation but rather
cited general principles of law.
The law forbids the petitioner, in a personal restraint petition, from asserting the
same grounds or issues asserted in an appeal. Personal Restraint Petition of Davis, 152
Wn.2d 64 7, 670 (2004 ). Thus, the opposite occurrence benefits the accused when he
moves from an appeal to a personal restraint petition than when he travels between the
personal restraint petition and an amendment to the petition. In the former, he suffers a
disadvantage the more the two grounds are related and a benefit the more the two
grounds differ. In the latter, the opposite is true.
3
No. 38585-0-III ( concurring)
Personal Restraint Petition of Quintero
In his earlier appeal, Gary Benn assigned error to the State's failure to timely
supply evidence in violation of Brady rules and to the trial court's limitation of cross-
examination of an important witness. Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83, 83 S. Ct. 1194,
10 L. Ed. 2d 215 ( 1963 ). In his personal restraint petition, Benn argued that his trial
attorney performed ineffectively when failing to earlier demand production of the State's
evidence and failing to prevail in an argument to permit additional cross-examination.
The court held that recasting an argument in that manner did not create a new ground for
relief or constitute good cause for reconsidering the previously rejected claim.
Different policies impact the limitations on arguments raised in the initial personal
restraint petition from limitations imposed on amendments to petitions. Limitations on
the petition seek to promote finality of litigation, uphold the prominence of trial, and
afford society the right to punish admitted offenders. Personal Restraint Petition of
Davis, 152 Wn.2d 64 7, 670 (2004 ). Limits on the time for filing a personal restraint
petition manage the flow of postconviction collateral relief petitions by requiring
collateral attacks to be brought promptly. Personal Restraint Petition ofBonds,
165 Wn.2d 135, 141 (2008). Limitations on amendments to a petition encourage the
petitioner to present to the court all new arguments since trial during the one-year
limitation period.
Jose Quintero forwards no reason why we should apply the same rules when
addressing an amendment to a personal restraint petition as we do when resolving the
receptibility of the petition itself. Quintero also cites no decisions entailing what
4
No. 38585-0-111 (concurring)
Personal Restraint Petition of Quintero
constitutes a new ground for purposes of an amendment or any cases wherein a
Washington court addressed whether an amendment to the petition related back in time to
the petition.
Two Washington Court of Appeals decisions address the permissibility of a
personal restraint petition amendment after the one-year time bar-In re Personal
Restraint Petition ofTricomo, 13 Wn. App. 2d 223,463 P.3d 760 (2020) and In re
Personal Restraint Petition of Wilson, 169 Wn. App. 379,279 P.3d 990 (2012). In
Wilson, George Wilson's original petition alleged instructional error as the basis for
granting him a new trial. The definition of "accomplice liability" departed from the
statutory definition by using the phrase "a crime" when it should have said "the crime."
Wilson's supplemental brief, written by an attorney, argued that trial counsel performed
ineffectively when proposing the erroneous jury instruction. The State asked the court to
decline addressing the ineffective assistance of counsel claim because the claim was new,
and Wilson did not file the supplemental brief within one year of finality of the judgment.
This court, in Wilson, characterized the ineffective assistance argument as "part
and parcel" of the instructional error contention. Under Washington precedent, when
defense counsel proposed an erroneous instruction, the court generally denies review
because of invited error. Nevertheless, if the instructional error resulted from ineffective
assistance of counsel, the invited error doctrine does not preclude review. The court
reasoned that seeing the accomplice liability instruction through the lens of ineffective
assistance did not transform it into a different claim. The claim remained one of
5
No. 38585-0-111 (concurring)
Personal Restraint Petition of Quintero
instructional error. The court cited In re Personal Restraint Petition ofDavis for the
proposition that one does not assert a new claim by supporting a previous ground for
relief with different factual allegations or with different legal arguments despite the
principle applying to a new argument in the petition from the appeal.
Personal Restraint Petition ofTricomo, 13 Wn. App. 2d 223 (2020), has the
opposite outcome. Lia Tricomo filed a timely pro se personal restraint petition, in which
she argued double jeopardy, ineffective assistance of counsel and prosecutorial
misconduct at the plea stage, and trial court error for failure to consider the effects of
Paxil on her mental state in rendering its sentencing decision. In her supplemental
petition, filed by counsel, Tricomo asserted the additional claim of ineffective assistance
of counsel in failing to produce a qualified expert at sentencing to offer an opinion on the
effects of Paxil. Because the supplemental petition was filed over one year after her
judgment became final, this court rejected the supplemental argument.
Lia Tricomo requested this court entertain her additional argument of ineffective
assistance of counsel as a constituent to her timely claim from her original petition and
claim that the trial court refused to consider her proposed evidence about the effects of
Paxil. She also contended that her newly raised ineffective assistance of counsel claim
was ancillary to the timely claim made in her original petition that counsel was
ineffective in negotiating her plea bargain. In disagreeing, this court distinguished
Wilson. In Wilson, the petitioner lacked an avenue for redress of the instructional error
without asserting ineffective assistance of counsel.
6
No. 38585-0-111 (concurring)
Personal Restraint Petition of Quintero
Jose Quintero's claim, that introduction of rap lyrics and repeatedly holding Jose
Lozano in contempt violated his right to a fair trial and breached his right to confront
witnesses, is not part and parcel of his earlier assertion that both occurrences breached his
due process rights. Any violation of the Fifth Amendment due process confrontation
clause does not depend on the breach of the Sixth Amendment fair trial right or its
confrontation clause. Quintero does not characterize his second supplemental brief as
being part and parcel of his original petition or his initial petition as being dependent on
the untimely supplemental brief.
Due Process
In his timely personal restraint petition, Jose Quintero argues, in ground four, that
the trial court's evidentiary ruling on rap lyrics breached due process. This argument also
extends to the court's ruling that demanded Jose Lozano testify and holding Lozano in
contempt on his refusal to testify. The majority correctly rules that the trial court abused
its discretion when admitting the rap lyrics and holding that Lozano lacked a Fifth
Amendment right not to testify. The majority goes directly to assessing whether those
two errors resulted in the nature of prejudice needed to gain relief for a nonconstitutional
error, that being"' a fundamental defect which inherently results in a complete
miscarriage of justice."' In re Personal Restraint Petition ofNichols, 171 Wn.2d 370,
373,256 P.3d 1131 (2011) (quoting In re Personal Restraint Petition ofLord, 152 Wn.2d
182, 188, 94 P.3d 952 (2004)).
7
No. 38585-0-III (concurring)
Personal Restraint Petition of Quintero
If Jose Quintero showed a constitutional error, his burden in establishing prejudice
lessens. He need not show a fundamental defect or complete miscarriage of justice. He
instead must establish that the outcome likely would have differed had the alleged error
not occurred. In re Personal Restraint Petition ofDavis, 200 Wn.2d 75, 86, 514 P.3d 653(2022). Thus, we should address whether the trial court's erroneous rulings breached due
process.
Jose Quintero cites two United States Supreme Court decisions for the proposition
that mistaken evidentiary rulings violate due process by depriving the defendant of a
fundamentally fair trial. Quintero fashions the rule as if all erroneous evidentiary rulings
violate the Due Process Clause. But, the two decisions, Estelle v. McGuire, 502 U.S. 62,
75, 112 S. Ct. 475, 116 L. Ed. 2d 385 (1991), and Dowling v. United States, 493 U.S.
342, 352, 110 S. Ct. 668, 107 L. Ed. 2d 708 ( 1990), do not support such a rule.
In Estelle v. McGuire, 502 U.S. 62 (1991), the Supreme Court denied Mark
McGuire habeas corpus relief. In denying relief, the Court held that its habeas powers
did not allow it to reverse a conviction based on a belief that the trial judge incorrectly
interpreted the state evidence code. In Dowling v. United States, 493 U.S. 342 (1990),
the Supreme Court denied the petitioner, Reuben Dowling, relief from a federal district
court conviction. The district court may have erred when allowing introduction of
evidence relating to a crime, for which a jury had previously acquitted Dowling, but the
error did not violate due process.
8
No. 38585-0-III (concurring)
Personal Restraint Petition of Quintero
I
To prevail on a claim that an evidentiary error deprived the petitioner of due
process under the Fourteenth Amendment, a state court's evidentiary decision must have
been so arbitrary or prejudicial that it rendered the trial fundamentally unfair. Romano v.
Oklahoma, 512 U.S. 1, 12-13, 114 S. Ct. 2004, 129 L. Ed. 2d 1 (1994). Stated
differently, the petitioner must show that the error was so pervasive as to have denied him
a fundamentally fair trial. Collins v. Scully, 755 F.2d 16, 18 (2d Cir. 1985). The
pertinent question is whether admission of evidence "so fatally infected the proceedings
as to render them fundamentally unfair." Jammal v. Van de Kamp, 926 F.2d 918, 919
(9th Cir. 1991). A proceeding is fundamentally unfair only when the error had a
substantial and injurious effect or influence in determining the jury's verdict. Brecht v.
Abrahamson, 507 U.S. 619,623, 113 S. Ct. 1710, 123 L. Ed. 2d 353 (1993).
The due process test bears resemblance to the prejudice a petitioner must show to
be provided relief from restraint for non constitutional errors. For the same reasons that
the majority concludes that Jose Quintero fails to make a sufficient showing of prejudice,
I conclude he falls short in establishing a due process right. Therefore, the majority is
correct to analyze prejudice, for purposes of Quintero's personal restraint petition, only
under the nonconstitutional standard.
``-.:r.
~
Fearing,=
9