People v. Prothro CA2/8

Filed 1/29/14 P. v. Prothro CA2/8
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IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
SECOND APPELLATE DISTRICT
DIVISION EIGHT
THE PEOPLE, B243045
Plaintiff and Respondent, (Los Angeles County
Super. Ct. No. YA075724)
v.
MARCELLUS PROTHRO et al.,
Defendants and Appellants.
APPEAL from a judgment of the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, Eric C.
Taylor, Judge. Affirmed as modified.
Joseph Shipp, under appointment by the Court of Appeal, for Defendant and
Appellant Marcellus Prothro.
Marcia C. Levine, under appointment by the Court of Appeal, for Defendant and
Appellant Shawn Simpson.
Kamala D. Harris, Attorney General, Dane R. Gillette, Chief Assistant Attorney
General, Lance E. Winters, Assistant Attorney General, Victoria B. Wilson and Carl N.
Henry, Deputy Attorneys General, for Plaintiff and Respondent.
__________________________
After a three-week trial, Shawn Simpson and Marcellus Prothro were convicted of
murder and attempted murder. Defendants are members of the 135 Piru gang, which at
the relevant time was “at war” with the rival Barrio 13, or B13, gang. The prosecutor
argued the essence of this case was as follows: “[T]wo 135 gangsters got in a car, they
drove to the shot caller of the rival gang’s house, they fired shots and drove away.”
The murder victim, Juan Llanos, was a member of Barrio 13, and was at the top of the
gang hierarchy in a position known as “shot caller.” Llanos was shot as he stood outside
his mother’s home. Llanos’s cousin, Daniel Gutierrez, stood near Llanos when Llanos
was shot.
Defendants raise numerous challenges to their convictions. We modify
defendants’ sentences, but otherwise affirm the judgment.
FACTS
On February 8, 2008, at approximately 8:47 and 8:48 p.m., Prothro called
Simpson. At approximately 9:11 p.m., Prothro drove Simpson to the house where Llanos
lived. (The approximate time is based on a 911 call, which was received at 9:11 p.m.)
Llanos and his cousin, Daniel Gutierrez, were each standing near opposite ends of the
driveway in front of the house. Prothro drove the car to the front of the house. Simpson
fired several shots from the car. Llanos died of a single gunshot wound. Police found
two expended gun cartridges at the scene of the shooting. They also observed markings
consistent with a bullet strike on a pillar post, near where Gutierrez was standing at the
time of the shooting.
Llanos’s brother, Marcos Llanos (Marcos), witnessed the shooting. Marcos
identified Simpson as the shooter and remembered that Simpson wore a black hooded
sweater. Marcos heard one shot and saw the car in which Simpson was a passenger
speed away. Simpson bragged to his friend (and later, informant) Rufus Crowder that he
murdered Llanos. Simpson told Crowder he wore a black hooded sweatshirt when he
committed the murder. Simpson also told Crowder he fired three shots, then his gun
jammed.
2
Like Simpson, Prothro was a member of the 135 Piru gang. In February 2008,
Prothro borrowed the car of his then girlfriend, K.G. Although he promised K.G. he
would have her car detailed, Prothro did not do so. Instead, Prothro called K.G., telling
her, “it’s hot over here. You need to come get the car.” Prothro told K.G. someone had
been shot in the hood and some “bad shit happened” in her car. When she retrieved her
car, K.G. noticed someone had been sitting in the passenger seat, based on how the seat
was reclined. Prothro confided in K.G. that the “homies put somebody down” and
described the “somebody” as “the Hispanics” who had previously chased them.
In March 2009, Simpson was arrested for Llanos’s murder. The day after his
arrest, Simpson called Prothro. Simpson told Prothro, “if the police ask you, blood, you
don’t even know me, blood. You feel me?” Prothro responded that Simpson did not
have to tell him again and he needed to find out “who snitched.” Prothro understood he
could not tell the police about Simpson, saying: “you. . . ain’t gotta tell me twice . . . I
already know . . . .” Simpson repeated, “we can’t be seen together blood, all that blood,
you don’t know me. If the police asked you, if they take you in, none of that blood, you
don’t know where I was that night, none of that blood. You feel me?”
On March 17, 2009, Prothro told a friend police had raided his house. He said he
was wanted for a murder of “some Mexicans.” Prothro was concerned that someone was
“snitching” and police knew his “hood name.” Prothro explained police did not find “a
burner [i.e. a gun] that was used in the murder” in his house. Also in March 2009,
Prothro asked K.G. to tell police he was never in her car. Prothro entreated K.G. to
provide him with an alibi if police questioned her on his whereabouts in early 2008.
At trial, detective Armando Martinez testified about Prothro’s and Simpson’s
phone calls around the time of the murder. Martinez testified that Prothro’s call to
Simpson pinged a cell phone tower that was just over one mile from the crime scene. At
about 9:12 p.m., Prothro called K.G. The call pinged off a cell tower just under two
miles from the crime scene. At 9:43 p.m., Simpson called Prothro from less than a mile
away from the crime scene.
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Detective John Duncan testified as a gang expert. He testified that gang members
commit crimes to enhance the gang and earn the respect of fellow gang members. Gang
members feel safe in their territory. Llanos was an active member of Barrio 13. 135 Piru
was Barrio 13’s main rival. The two gangs were involved in a gang war, which involves
substantial violence, shootings, and murders. Simpson told Duncan he was a gang
member and his moniker was Little Ye. Prothro also identified himself as a gang
member and reported his moniker was Belly Bell or Celly Cell. When given a
hypothetical based on the facts of this case, Duncan opined the murder and attempted
murder benefitted the gang. He also opined shooting Llanos would instill fear in the
community and earn the respect of fellow gang members. Duncan testified that the
crimes were committed in association with a criminal street gang because the two gang
members were together. Duncan testified that snitching and lying were different; only
the latter connoted a false statement.
Neither defendant testified. Through cross-examination and the testimony of their
witnesses, defendants elicited evidence that Marcos did not identify Simpson in a
photographic lineup; Marcos identified the car in which Simpson was the passenger as a
Chevy Impala when K.G.’s car was a Honda Accord; the weapon used in the shooting
was not recovered; the type of gun identified by Marcos differed from the type Simpson
reported to Crowder; Prothro often spent time at a friend’s house; Simpson was left-
handed and the shooter used his right hand; and Prothro’s girlfriend A.W. believed he
was honest and trustworthy, but also believed it was possible for him to commit murder.
PROCEDURE
In an amended information, Simpson and Prothro were charged with the murder of
Llanos. With respect to both counts, the information alleged Simpson personally and
intentionally discharged a firearm and that a principal personally and intentionally
discharged a firearm (§ 12022.53, subd. (d)). The information further alleged the offense
was committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, and in association with a criminal
street gang. In the second count, Simpson and Prothro were charged with the attempted
willful, deliberate, and premeditated murder of Daniel Gutierrez. The information also
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alleged Simpson personally and intentionally discharged a firearm, and a principal
personally and intentionally discharged a firearm within the meaning of section
12022.53, subdivision (c). A gang allegation also was alleged with respect to count 2.
A jury convicted defendants of all allegations. Jurors found the murder was of the
first degree and the attempted murder was willful, deliberate and premeditated.
The court sentenced Simpson to 50 years to life for the murder and 40 years to life
for the attempted murder. The court sentenced Prothro to 50 years to life for the murder
and 32 years to life for the attempted murder.
DISCUSSION
Prothro argues: (1) the court should have upheld his Wheeler/Batson challenges;
(2) the court should have conducted an in-camera review of the wiretap; (3) the record
lacks sufficient evidence to support his murder conviction and his attempted murder
conviction; (4) the court erred in admitting evidence of a firearm not used in the current
offense; (5) the court erred in refusing him a midtrial continuance to secure the testimony
of a defense witness, (6) the court erred in refusing to disclose the full contents of two
jury notes; (7) the court should have granted his motion for a new trial; (8) the gang
instructions were incomplete and erroneous; (9) the court committed sentencing error;
and (10) cumulative error requires reversal.
Simpson contends the court erred in calculating his sentence, and joins in the
italicized arguments advanced by Prothro.
Respondent acknowledges sentencing error. Other than the sentencing challenges,
respondent disputes each remaining contention. As noted above, we conclude Prothro’s
and Simpson’s sentences require modification. We otherwise find no prejudicial error.
I. Batson/Wheeler Challenge (Prothro and Simpson)
Citing Batson v. Kentucky (1986) 476 U.S. 79 (Batson) and People v. Wheeler
(1978) 22 Cal. 3d 258 (Wheeler), defendants challenge the prosecutor’s use of a
peremptory challenge to dismiss an African American juror. Simpson joins in Prothro’s
argument. We find no error.
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A. Background
Prior to starting jury selection, the judge informed the potential jurors: “[I]t’s
important for the people in the audience to listen very carefully to what’s being said.
The way that I like to do this is ask these folks [the potential jurors seated in the jury box]
most of the questions and then, when you [the remaining potential jurors] come up and
ask you whether or not you’ve heard everything asked of everyone else. . . . So it’s
important to listen to this.” Subsequently the prosecutor asked all of the jurors to listen to
the questions posed to the potential jurors in the box in order to avoid repeating the
questions. When a potential juror was seated in the box, the court routinely asked the
juror if he or she had heard all of the questions.
When Juror No. 15 was seated in the box for voir dire, the trial court stated:
“I think you walked out briefly, so I try to keep track of what I thought you might have
missed . . . .” The prosecutor asked Juror No. 15 if she had left during questioning and
Juror No. 15 answered affirmatively. At sidebar, the prosecutor sought to have Juror No.
15 excused for cause, arguing reversal of a conviction may be warranted when a juror
exits the courtroom during voir dire. Defense counsel responded he would not challenge
the verdict based on the potential juror leaving the courtroom. Defense counsel indicated
it was within the court’s discretion as to how to proceed. The court refused to dismiss
Juror No. 15 for cause.
When the prosecutor exercised a peremptory challenge to excuse Juror No. 15,
defense counsel objected, arguing: “I know that this is the first black person they kicked
off. I wish I could have something to establish a pattern. It is sufficient for me to bring
the motion. [¶] The record should reflect that we have only had three black jurors.
One is sitting in the panel presently. One [wa]s [dismissed] for cause because she is a
corrections officer. Then we have this particular one.” The prosecutor responded she
challenged the juror because the juror left the courtroom during voir dire. The trial court
found no prima facie case of discrimination.
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The record identifies no other jurors who left the courtroom during the
questioning. One juror stated he was not paying attention during the questioning, but he
was dismissed for cause on other grounds with the agreement of all counsel.
B. Analysis
Our Supreme Court recently explained the relevant legal principles: “Under both
People v. Wheeler, supra, 22 Cal. 3d 258, and its federal constitutional counterpart,
Batson v. Kentucky [(1986) 476 U.S. 79], a party who believes his opponent is using
peremptory challenges animated by a prohibited discriminatory purpose must first make a
prima facie showing of such group bias. [Citations.] ‘In order to make a prima facie
showing, “a litigant must raise the issue in a timely fashion, make as complete a record as
feasible, [and] establish that the persons excluded are members of a cognizable class.” ’
[Citation.] The objecting party must then produce evidence ‘ “sufficient to permit the
trial judge to draw an inference that discrimination has occurred.” ’ [Citations.] This
prima facie assessment is sometimes called ‘the first stage of a Batson inquiry.’
[Citation.]
“If the defendant succeeds in establishing a prima facie case, the burden shifts to
the prosecutor to justify the challenges. [Citation.] The court then evaluates the
prosecutor’s responses to determine whether purposeful discrimination has been proven.
At this so-called third stage of the Batson inquiry, the trial court often bases its decision
on whether it finds the prosecutor’s race-neutral explanations for exercising a peremptory
challenge are credible. ‘ “Credibility can be measured by, among other factors, the
prosecutor’s demeanor; by how reasonable, or how improbable, the explanations are; and
by whether the proffered rationale has some basis in accepted trial strategy.” ’
[Citations.]
“ ‘Review of a trial court’s denial of a Wheeler/Batson motion is deferential,
examining only whether substantial evidence supports its conclusions.’ [Citation.]
We have explained that ‘ “the trial court must evaluate not only whether the prosecutor’s
demeanor belies a discriminatory intent, but also whether the juror’s demeanor can
credibly be said to have exhibited the basis for the strike attributed to the juror by the
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prosecutor,” ’ that ‘ “these determinations of credibility and demeanor lie ‘ “peculiarly
within a trial judge’s province,” ’ ” ’ and that, thus, ‘ “ ‘in the absence of exceptional
circumstances, we would defer to [the trial court].’ ” ’ [Citations.]” (People v. Jones
(2013) 57 Cal. 4th 899, 916-917.)
Applying these principles here, defendants fail to show the trial court abused its
discretion in finding no prima facie case of discrimination. The record does not support
the inference that discrimination occurred. Prothro’s argument that the prosecutor’s
reason for dismissing the juror was pretext for discrimination is not supported by any
evidence. Even defense counsel acknowledged that dismissing Juror No.15 for cause was
within the court’s discretion when the prosecutor moved to have her dismissed.
Defendants fail to demonstrate an abuse of discretion in the denial of their
Batson/Wheeler motion.
II. Pretrial Challenge to the Wiretap (Prothro)
Following a spike in crime in 135 Piru gang territory, police wiretapped phone
calls of 135 Piru gang members from sometime in 2008 to sometime in 2009. The
wiretap was judicially approved. Before trial, Prothro challenged the wiretap. Prothro’s
counsel argued that after the wiretap was in place, a prosecution informant was
incriminated in an unrelated murder. Prothro’s counsel asserted the trial court should
review the propriety of the wiretap order permitting the wiretapping of Prothro’s phone
because the informant was implicated in a murder. On appeal, Prothro contends the court
erred in failing to conduct an in-camera review of the wiretap which allowed officers to
record his phone calls.
Prothro demonstrates no basis for review of the wiretap affidavit. Although he
cites authority holding that in-camera review is appropriate where there are allegations of
police misrepresentation, he identifies no such police misrepresentation occurring in this
case. (See e.g. People v. Galland (2008) 45 Cal. 4th 354, 364.) The record indicates the
wiretap was based on a spike in crime in territory claimed by the 135 Piru gang, not on
the informant’s statement to officers. Prothro therefore fails to show the informant’s
criminal record compelled the trial court to review the wiretap affidavit.
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III. Sufficiency of the Evidence (Prothro)
“In reviewing a sufficiency of evidence claim, the reviewing court’s role is a
limited one. ‘ “The proper test for determining a claim of insufficiency of evidence in a
criminal case is whether, on the entire record, a rational trier of fact could find the
defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. [Citations.] On appeal, we must view the
evidence in the light most favorable to the People and must presume in support of the
judgment the existence of every fact the trier could reasonably deduce from the evidence.
[Citation.]” ’ [Citation.]” (People v. Smith (2005) 37 Cal. 4th 733, 738-739.)
A. Murder of Llanos
Ample evidence supported Prothro’s murder conviction. The evidence established
that prior to the murder, Prothro and Simpson spoke on the phone. Prothro borrowed
K.G.’s car to use during the shooting. Prothro pulled up the car in front of Llanos’s
house, demonstrating his intent to aid Simpson in shooting Llanos. Prothro called K.G.
immediately after the shooting to return the car. He later asked K.G. to provide him with
an alibi, explaining that some “bad shit happened” in the car. Prothro did not identify
Llanos by name to K.G. but reported to her that his “homies” had murdered the
“Hispanics” who had chased them. After he was arrested for Llanos’s murder, Simpson
called Prothro and warned him to pretend he did not know Simpson. From this evidence
reasonable jurors could infer that Prothro borrowed K.G.’s car to drive Simpson to
Llanos’s location, then rapidly returned the car after the shooting to avoid detection.
Reasonable jurors could infer that Prothro was Simpson’s driver.
B. Attempted Murder Gutierrez
Similarly, we conclude substantial evidence supported the attempted murder
conviction. Attempted murder is a specific intent crime and requires “ ‘the specific intent
to kill and the commission of a direct but ineffectual act toward accomplishing the
intended killing.’ ” (People v. Smith, supra, 37 Cal.4th at p. 739.) Prothro was convicted
9
of attempted murder as an aider an abetter.1 To be an aider and abettor, the defendant
must have acted “with knowledge of the criminal purpose of the perpetrator and with an
intent or purpose either of committing, or of encouraging or facilitating commission of,
the offense.” (People v. Beeman (1984) 35 Cal. 3d 547, 560, italics omitted.) “When the
offense charged is a specific intent crime, the accomplice must ‘share the specific intent
of the perpetrator’; this occurs when the accomplice ‘knows the full extent of the
perpetrator’s criminal purpose and gives aid or encouragement with the intent or purpose
of facilitating the perpetrator’s commission of the crime.’ ”2 (People v. Prettyman (1996)
14 Cal. 4th 248, 259.)
As noted above, Prothro drove the car and pulled up in front of Llanos’s mother’s
house. Llanos was standing near one side of the driveway; Gutierrez was standing near
the other side. The eyewitness to the crime, Marcos Llanos, described the two men as
being approximately “eight feet away.” Marcos testified he heard a vehicle approaching.
1 The prosecutor argued: “These two defendants were not just going to the market
and, lo and behold, Mr. Simpson pulls out a gun and kills Coco [Llanos]. Mr. Prothro
specifically pulled that car into the red zone, up alongside Coco’s house so that Mr.
Simpson could fire off those shots. That’s how you know he was in on it. That’s how
you know he was an aider and abettor. That’s how you know that he shared Mr.
Simpson’s intent.”
2 Under the instructions given, Prothro could be guilty for the attempted murder of
Gutierrez if he knew “of the perpetrator’s unlawful purpose and he or she specifically
intend[ed] to and d[id] in fact, aid, facilitate, promote, encourage, or instigate the
perpetrator’s commission of that crime.”
The instruction given on the kill zone was as follows: “A person may intend to
kill a specific victim or victims and at the same time intend to kill everyone in a
particular zone of harm or ‘kill zone.’ In order to convict the defendant of the attempted
murder of Daniel Gutierrez, the People must prove that the defendant not only intended
to kill Juan Llanos but also either intended to kill Daniel Gutierrez, or intended to kill
everyone within the kill zone. If you have a reasonable doubt whether the defendant
intended to kill Daniel Gutierrez or intended to kill Juan Llanos by killing everyone in the
kill zone, then you must find the defendant not guilty of the attempted murder of Daniel
Gutierrez.”
10
He saw a car approach and an arm holding a gun extended out of the window. He yelled
to Llanos to watch out as he dove to the ground.
Police found two expended gun cartridges at the scene of the shooting. They also
observed markings on a pillar post, south of the driveway, that were consistent with a
bullet strike, next to where Gutierrez had been standing. According to informant
Crowder’s testimony, Simpson said he fired three shots, then his gun jammed.
There was also evidence that when Prothro spoke to K.G. after the shooting, he
told her “the homies put somebody down.” She asked, “you mean, somebody got
murked [killed]?” Prothro responded: “Yes. I believe it was the Hispanics that chased
us.” According to this testimony, Prothro referred to “Hispanics” plural, even though
only Llanos was shot. Similarly, in a recorded call with an unidentified male, Prothro
said the police wanted information on “some other shit.” The other person said: “What a
shooting or something?” Prothro answered: “Yeah, a murder.” The other person asked
“Who?” Prothro answered: “Some Mexicans. . . . From up over there, you know?”
Again, Prothro referred to multiple victims, even though only Llanos was shot.
There was also evidence of an ongoing gang war between Prothro’s gang and the
B13 gang to which Llanos belonged. The gang expert testified a gang war was
characterized by shootings and murders.
This evidence taken together was sufficient to allow the jury to conclude Prothro
had the requisite intent to support a conviction for the attempted murder of Gutierrez on
an aiding and abetting theory, either directly, or based on a kill-zone theory. The
evidence suggesting Simpson and Prothro targeted Llanos specifically was his important
position in the B13 gang, and the fact that he was shot and killed. But there was also
evidence from which the jury could reasonably infer Simpson and Prothro intended to kill
more people than Llanos alone. K.G. testified that days or weeks before the shooting, she
and Prothro were chased by people while driving. She did not recall how many people
were in the other car, but she consistently referred to multiple Hispanic males. There was
evidence Simpson fired three bullets, and a reasonable inference is that he would have
fired more had his gun not jammed. In describing the shooting to others, Prothro referred
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to “Hispanics” and “Mexicans.” Even though only Llanos was shot in the attack, the jury
could reasonably infer Prothro’s references to multiple victims indicated Simpson’s and
Prothro’s intent was to kill Llanos and Gutierrez, or Llanos and any other Hispanic male
with him. (In re Juan G. (2003) 112 Cal. App. 4th 1, 5 [presence at the crime scene,
companionship, and conduct before and after the offense are relevant factors in
determining aiding and abetting].)
Similarly, the evidence supported Prothro’s conviction for attempted murder of
Gutierrez based on a kill zone theory. A kill zone theory will apply “ ‘where the
evidence establishes that the shooter used lethal force designed and intended to kill
everyone in an area around the targeted victim (i.e., the “kill zone”) as the means of
accomplishing the killing of that victim. Under such circumstances, a rational jury could
conclude beyond a reasonable doubt that the shooter intended to kill not only his targeted
victim, but also all others he knew were in the zone of fatal harm.’ [Citation.]” (People
v. Leon (2010) 181 Cal. App. 4th 452, 466.) Thus, in People v. Bland (2002) 28 Cal. 4th
313, 331, the court concluded the defendant could be found guilty of attempted murder
on a kill zone theory where the “defendant and his cohort fired a flurry of bullets at [a]
fleeing car” which had multiple occupants. (Id. at p. 331.)
In this case, the jury had evidence to find Simpson fired three bullets and would
have fired more had his gun not jammed. There was also evidence of a bullet strike on a
post next to where Gutierrez stood, suggesting Simpson aimed in directions other than
directly at Llanos. The jury could credit this evidence and conclude that, absent the gun
jamming, Simpson planned to unleash a “flurry of bullets,” with the intent to kill not only
Llanos, but also Gutierrez, who was standing near him.
To the extent the jury concluded Prothro shared Simpson’s intent to kill Llanos,
it could equally find Prothro shared Simpson’s intent to kill those standing near Llanos.
There was an ongoing gang war between Prothro’s gang and the B13 gang. Prothro was
chased by unknown Hispanic persons shortly before the shooting. He drove Simpson to
Llanos’s house. He subsequently described the attack as a shooting of multiple Hispanic
persons. The method of the shooting—a drive-by shooting in which three bullets were
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fired at two people standing relatively close to one another, and in which more bullets
would have been fired without a gun malfunction, and Prothro’s description of the
murder which suggested his focus was on more than one Hispanic person, all provided
the jury a basis to conclude Prothro shared Simpson’s specific intent to kill Gutierrez.
IV. Admission of Evidence of Firearm Possession (Prothro)
K.G. testified that in the summer of 2008, several months after the murder of
Llanos, she saw Prothro with a shotgun. A.W. also testified that she saw Prothro with a
shotgun in 2008. A.W. told police Prothro “kind of said he was using [the shotgun] for
protection.” The prosecutor acknowledged the shotgun was not the murder weapon, but
argued it was relevant to corroborate Crowder’s testimony that the 135 gang was nervous
about retaliation after Llanos’s murder. She asserted the evidence would also show
Prothro was in fear of retaliation, either because he was a 135 gang member, or because
he was a perpetrator in the murder of Llanos. At trial, Crowder did in fact testify that at a
party he attended where 135 gang members were present, including Simpson, the
attendees were “on alert” about retaliation from the B13 gang.
We find no abuse of discretion in the trial court’s ruling admitting the evidence as
relevant. Relevant evidence is defined as “having any tendency in reason to prove or
disprove any disputed fact that is of consequence to the determination of the action.”
(Evid. Code, § 210.) The shotgun evidence was relevant because it tended to corroborate
Crowder’s testimony that the 135 gang was “on alert” for retaliation from the B13 gang
due to Llanos’s murder, and further suggested Prothro personally was “on alert.”
Moreover, even had the trial court erred in admitting the evidence, we would find
Prothro has not demonstrated any prejudice. The shotgun evidence did not tend to show
Prothro was the driver or to place Prothro at the scene of the murder. Given the strong
evidence that Prothro drove Simpson to the murder scene, and was an active participant
in the murder and attempted murder, it is not reasonably probable that the admission of
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evidence Prothro possessed a shotgun prejudiced him.3 (See People v. Fudge (1994) 7
Cal. 4th 1075, 1103 [evidentiary errors in violation of state rules of evidence evaluated
under the standard of prejudice announced in People v. Watson (1956) 46 Cal. 2d 818,
836].)
V. Denial of a Continuance (Prothro and Simpson)
Prothro and Simpson argue their convictions must be reversed because the court
improperly refused Prothro’s counsel’s request for a midtrial continuance to secure the
testimony of an expert on cell phones.
A. Background
Jury selection commenced July 13, 2011. The court was scheduled to be dark
August 9 thru August 22. On August 1st, the prosecution rested. Prothro’s counsel
indicated she had one witness for the afternoon of the 1st and had witnesses lined up for
the following day. The court warned counsel she needed to ensure there would be no
breaks in trial. The court stated: “If we have a break and it’s a significant break, you’re
going to rest. So you need to get your folks in line.”
On August 2nd, at about 2:30, Prothro decided not to call his gang expert and had
no remaining witnesses scheduled for that afternoon, but had one witness scheduled for
the following morning. Prothro’s counsel requested a continuance to 10:00 a.m.
Counsel’s offer of proof indicated the scheduled witness would contradict detective
Martinez’s testimony concerning cell phone towers. Prothro’s counsel represented the
scheduled expert would discuss whether one could determine a person’s location based
on a cell phone call. In conjunction with Prothro’s motion for a new trial, the expert
provided a declaration which included the following conclusion: “[I]t appeared from the
Government’s own findings that the defendant [Prothro] was using a cellular tower
several miles away from the crime scene just 60-seconds after the incident, and was last
3 On appeal, Prothro contends the trial court should have excluded the evidence
under Evidence Code section 352. Defense counsel did not raise section 352 in the trial
court. But even had this objection been preserved, we would still find no reversible error
for the reasons explained above.
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using equipment within the vicinity of the crime scene a full 20 minutes before the crime
occurred.” The expert concluded the cell phone evidence was exculpatory.
B. Analysis
“ ‘ “The granting or denial of a motion for continuance in the midst of a trial
traditionally rests within the sound discretion of the trial judge who must consider not
only the benefit which the moving party anticipates but also the likelihood that such
benefit will result, the burden on other witnesses, jurors and the court and, above all,
whether substantial justice will be accomplished or defeated by a granting of the motion.
In the lack of a showing of an abuse of discretion or of prejudice to the defendant, a
denial of his motion for a continuance cannot result in a reversal of a judgment of
conviction.” ’ [Citations.] Entitlement to a midtrial continuance requires the defendant
‘show he exercised due diligence in preparing for trial.’ [Citation.]” (People v. Fudge,
supra, 7 Cal.4th at pp. 1105-1106.)
We need not decide whether the trial court erred in denying the defense request for
a continuance because even if the ruling was in error, neither Prothro nor Simpson
demonstrate prejudice. With respect to Prothro, Martinez’s testimony about cell towers
was relevant, but it was not the key testimony implicating Prothro. The prosecutor
argued that based on Martinez’s testimony, “we know that about 20 minutes before the
murder takes place Mr. Prothro’s cell phone pinged off of tower 508,” which is about a
mile from the crime scene. That is consistent with the defense expert’s declaration that
Prothro was in the vicinity of the crime scene 20 minutes before the crime.
The prosecutor also argued: “Now, I want to be clear to you, cell phone evidence,
[is] not a GPS device. . . . Nobody is saying that Mr. Prothro was definitely at this place
at this time based on the cell evidence. This is just to give you an idea of the general area
that he is within. [¶] If the cell phone can ping off this tower, then clearly he is not in
New York . . . .” Thus, the prosecutor’s argument was consistent with the defense
15
expert’s proposed testimony.4 Therefore, Prothro fails to demonstrate he suffered
prejudice.
Simpson also fails to demonstrate prejudice. As Simpson’s counsel argued, the
key evidence against him was Marcos’s identification of him and Simpson’s admission to
Crowder.5 The cell phone evidence neither bolstered nor undermined the evidence
implicating Simpson. A continuance to call Prothro’s expert would not have affected the
outcome with respect to Simpson.
VI. Jury Notes (Prothro and Simpson)
Prothro and Simpson argue the court prejudicially erred in refusing to disclose two
juror notes to them. We conclude any error was not prejudicial.
A. Background
During deliberations, jurors sent the court a note stating: “We are currently having
a misunderstanding on our decisions. 11-1. [¶] Juror #7 would like a word with the
judge regarding decision.”
The court responded as follows: “The attorneys are being called. Please continue
to deliberate, and reveal to no one how you are split. I cannot simply talk to individual
jurors regarding your decision before it is made. What is the nature of the problem, and
what can the court do to help you.”
4 Similarly, we reject Prothro’s claim of ineffective assistance of counsel based on
his counsel’s failure to secure the expert’s testimony on August 2. Even if counsel’s
performance was deficient, we would not find Prothro has established it is reasonably
probable a more favorable result would have resulted in the absence of counsel’s failings.
(People v. Lewis (1990) 50 Cal. 3d 262, 288.)
5 Simpson’s counsel argued: “The case against Shawn Simpson essentially rests
upon the testimony of two individuals. Those individuals are Marcos Llanos and Rufus
Crowder.”
16
The court did not share the complete contents of this note with counsel. The court
described the note as a request from one or more jurors to talk to the court.
About fifteen minutes later, the court received the following note: “foreperson
stated that no evidence of a murder committed by Simpson & Prothro. [¶] Phone calls –
‘especially the call’ [¶] maps ‘nothing register for me’ The car – Llanos stated ‘it was
an impalla’ [¶] The line up. [¶] Absolutely decided (told us) before coming into the
jury room. Would not even discuss reasons for her decision was quite adamant & very
arrogant ‘already saw everything.’ ”
The court did not share the complete content of this note with counsel. Instead,
the court explained the gist of the note was that some jurors “aren’t willing to deliberate.”
Counsel for Simpson requested the court reread CALCRIM No. 3550. The prosecutor
requested the court also ask jurors if a juror was refusing to deliberate; counsel for
Prothro objected to that request. Prothro’s counsel argued that reinstructing the jury with
CALCRIM No. 3550 was sufficient.
The court responded to the jurors: “Please review and follow Instruction #3550.
Please advise the court of anything I can provide to assist you.” Instruction No. 3550
stated in pertinent part: “It is your duty to talk with one another and to deliberate in the
jury room. You should try to agree on a verdict if you can. Each of you must decide the
case for yourself, but only after you have discussed the evidence with the other jurors.
Do not hesitate to change your mind if you become convinced that you are wrong. But
do not change your mind just because other jurors disagree with you. [¶] Keep an open
mind and openly exchange your thoughts and ideas about this case. Stating your
opinions too strongly at the beginning or immediately announcing how you plan to vote
may interfere with an open discussion. Please treat one another courteously. Your role is
to be an impartial judge of the facts, not to act as an advocate for one side or the other.”
Prothro argues he suffered prejudice from the court’s refusal to divulge the
contents of the jury notes because “[c]ounsel had no opportunity to seek inquiries into a
deadlock or misconduct warranting motions for mistrial. But most important, they had
no opportunity to request further readbacks or at least clarification if this is what was
17
being requested.” Prothro also argues the trial court’s reference to instruction number
3550 was “coercive of a verdict on the part of the foreperson. . . .” According to Prothro,
if counsel had been aware of the note, counsel could have requested an instruction that
reminded all jurors including those in the majority and the minority of their obligation to
deliberate. Simpson joins in the argument.
B. Analysis
First, requesting that jurors follow instruction 3550 was not coercive. To analyze
coercion, “ ‘[t]he basic question . . . is whether the remarks of the court, viewed in the
totality of applicable circumstances, operate to displace the independent judgment of the
jury in favor of considerations of compromise and expediency. . . .’ [Citations.]”
(People v. Santiago (2009) 178 Cal. App. 4th 1471, 1476.) Here, jurors were simply
reminded of a standard instruction previously given by the trial court. The court did not
express its view of the evidence or suggest jurors should reach a guilty verdict. Nor did
the court urge the jurors to reach a verdict. The instruction requires each juror to
deliberate, not only jurors in the minority. The record does not support the assertion that
the court pressured the foreperson to change his or her verdict.
A defendant and his counsel are “entitled to be timely informed of [any questions
that may be posed by the jury] and to be provided an adequate opportunity to participate
in the court’s determination of the proper response.” (People v. Garcia (2005) 36 Cal. 4th
777, 802-803.) Penal Code section 1138 (section 1138) states, in pertinent part, that
when a deliberating jury disagrees “as to the testimony, or if they desire to be informed
on any point of law arising in the case,” the trial court must provide the required
information “in the presence of, or after notice to, the prosecuting attorney, and the
defendant or his counsel, or after they have been called. Although the language of
section 1138 refers to notice, the statute has been interpreted to afford the defense the
right “to be present and to have an opportunity to have meaningful input into the court’s
response to the jury’s inquiry.” (Garcia, supra, at p. 802.) “[T]he procedural safeguards
embodied in section 1138 recognize that both defense counsel and prosecuting attorneys
frequently [] play a crucial role” when a deliberating jury seeks information. (People v.
18
Garcia, supra, 36 Cal.4th at p. 802; see also People v. Jenkins (2000) 22 Cal. 4th 900,
1028 [“Counsel should be notified in order to ensure that counsel has an opportunity to
object to the course of action undertaken by the court or suggest an alternative course but
the primary goal served by section 1138 is to provide the jury with the evidence it needs
for its deliberations.”].)
We need not decide whether the trial court must always read the entirety of a
jury’s note to counsel because, in this case, neither Prothro nor Simpson demonstrate
prejudice from the failure to provide the complete notes to counsel. (See People v. Frye
(1998) 18 Cal. 4th 894, 1007-1008, disapproved on another ground in People v. Doolin
(2009) 45 Cal. 4th 390, 421, fn. 22.) Although Prothro suggests with the benefit of the
notes his counsel could have requested an instruction requiring all jurors to deliberate,
that is what the court instructed the jurors to do. Specifically, the court instructed the
jurors: “Each of you must decide the case for yourself, but only after you have discussed
the evidence with the other jurors. Do not hesitate to change your mind if you become
convinced that you are wrong. But do not change your mind just because other jurors
disagree with you.” Under this instruction, jurors were told not to change their mind
simply because other jurors disagreed, and all jurors were instructed to deliberate.
Prothro fails to identify any prejudice from the court’s refusal to read the entire note.
Simpson likewise identifies no prejudice allegedly suffered from the court’s refusal to
provide the complete text of the juror notes, and we find none.
VII. Prothro’s Motion for New Trial (Prothro and Simpson)
Prothro argues the court erred in denying his motion for a new trial based on
prosecutorial misconduct, the absence of foundation for Martinez’s testimony concerning
cell phone towers, and ineffective assistance of counsel. Simpson purports to join in the
arguments except for the ineffectiveness argument, but fails to show how the argument is
relevant to him, or any prejudice allegedly flowing to him from the claimed errors.
19
A. Alleged Prosecutorial Misconduct
During rebuttal, the prosecutor argued: “Mr. Brown argued that how do we know
Mr. Prothro is the shooter because nobody is saying specifically that he is the shooter?
Well, there is somebody – excuse me – the driver. I apologize. I misspoke. We do know
that Mr. Prothro is the driver by process of elimination. We know there’s a driver and a
shooter in this drive-by. Both counsel agreed on how this drive-by took place. They
didn’t argue that. There’s no evidence that anybody else was there.” [¶] You know that
that someone is driving the car because how does the car get there and get away.
Mr. Prothro has been identified as the driver by Marcos, by Mr. Crowder. So we know
that Mr. Prothro is the driver.” (Italics added.)
The prosecutor misspoke when she stated that Prothro was identified as the
driver by Marcos and Crowder. Marcos and Crowder identified Simpson, not Prothro.
No objection was interposed.
Prothro forfeited his argument of prosecutorial misconduct by failing to raise it at
the time the prosecutor made the misstatement, and by failing to request a curative
instruction. (People v. Lopez (2013) 56 Cal. 4th 1028, 1210; People v. Fernandez (2013)
216 Cal. App. 4th 540, 561.) With an objection, the prosecutor easily could have corrected
her obvious misstatement. Assuming the questionable proposition that the failure to
object constituted deficient performance, Prothro fails to demonstrate any prejudice.
Immediately before the misstatement, the prosecutor clarified that no one identified
Prothro. Earlier, the prosecutor argued jurors had to rely on circumstantial evidence to
convict Prothro, but could rely on direct evidence to convict Simpson. When the
argument is considered as a whole, jurors could not have been misled into believing
Marcos and Crowder identified Prothro. Moreover, in addition to argument, the
testimony at trial made clear that Marcos did not identify Prothro. Crowder testified he
did not know whether Prothro was the driver. Finally, although Simpson purports to join
in this argument, he identifies no prejudice to him from the failure to object to the
prosecutor’s argument and we find none.
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B. Foundation for Martinez’s Testimony
Prothro argues detective Martinez’s testimony lacked adequate foundation.
Prothro asserts Martinez’s experience “was no substitute for specialized foundation in
expertise or data for such specific testimony regarding this cluster of towers.”
1. Background
Martinez testified that he received training from Verizon. Martinez took a class in
how to analyze various issues relating to cell phones. When Martinez was asked whether
“he heard the principle of ‘the closest tower, the stronger signal,’ ” Simpson’s counsel
objected. Over objection, Martinez testified: “When your phone is off and it’s not –
you’re not making any phone calls, it’s in your pocket, the telephone is racking and
stacking. So basically it communicates with the cell towers that are near the telephone.
It can communicate with two or three different cell towers. [¶] That data is not recorded.
So it racks and stacks, so that when you’re ready to make a phone call, it automatically
grabs the nearest cell tower with the strongest signal.” Counsel for Prothro objected.
The court requested the prosecutor lay further foundation. Martinez testified that
he spoke to technicians and analysts from various phone companies. Martinez testified
that, in his experience, where the cell site places the caller can be, and is, corroborated
with other evidence.
When the prosecutor asked about the general range of a cell tower, Prothro’s
counsel objected. Over objection, Martinez testified he spoke to technicians, and
analysts, and representatives at Verizon about the coverage for the different towers.
Martinez testified the general range is a half a mile to two and a half miles. Martinez
personally went to the cell site locations to verify the address of the towers.
2. Analysis
Even if the court erred in allowing Martinez to testify regarding cell phone towers,
which we do not decide, neither Prothro nor Simpson demonstrates prejudice. As
previously noted, Martinez’s testimony was not the key testimony implicating Prothro or
Simpson. The key evidence against Prothro was the evidence that he borrowed K.G.’s
car, called her shortly after the murder to return the vehicle, and informed her that “bad
21
shit” happened in her car. Prothro also asked K.G. for an alibi and understood Simpson’s
reference when Simpson warned Prothro to stay away from him the day after Simpson
was arrested for Llanos’s murder. Although Prothro correctly describes this evidence as
circumstantial, it is strong evidence that Prothro drove Simpson to kill Llanos and
Gutierrez. Had the court excluded Martinez’s testimony it is not reasonably probable
Prothro would have received a more favorable verdict.
Simpson also fails to show any prejudice. With respect to Simpson, the key
evidence was Marcos’s identification and Crowder’s summary of Simpson’s confession.
Martinez’s testimony had no bearing on this evidence and the admission of Martinez’s
testimony did not prejudice Simpson. (See People v. Fudge, supra, 7 Cal.4th at p. 1103
[state standard of prejudice applies to evidentiary errors in violation of state rules of
evidence].)
3. Alleged Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
Prothro argues his counsel rendered ineffective assistance because she counseled
him not to testify. On this record Prothro demonstrates no ineffective assistance of
counsel. Without knowing what Prothro’s testimony would have been, Prothro’s
argument that the outcome would have been different if he had testified lacks merit.
(People v. Williams (2013) 218 Cal. App. 4th 1038, 1074 [to prevail on claim of
ineffective assistance of counsel defendant must show prejudice].)
VIII. Alleged Instructional Error (Prothro and Simpson)
A. No Further Definition Required
Relying on Justice Werdegar’s concurring and dissenting opinion in People v.
Albillar (2010) 51 Cal. 4th 47, 73 (Albillar), Prothro argues the trial court should have sua
sponte instructed the jurors on the meaning of the term “in association with a criminal
street gang.” Albillar does not support Prothro’s argument.
In Albillar, the majority held there was sufficient evidence that sex offenses were
committed in association with the gang because the “defendants relied on their common
gang membership and the apparatus of the gang in committing the sex offenses . . . .”
(Id. at p. 60.) In her separate opinion, Justice Werdegar found the record lacked
22
sufficient evidence to show the defendants acted in association with a gang and
questioned the majority’s analysis. (Id. at p. 73.)
Neither the majority nor Justice Werdegar held that the phrase “in association
with” was a technical phrase that required definition. Albillar does not support Prothro’s
argument that the court was required to sua sponte define the phrase “in association with
any criminal street gang.” Instead, the Albillar court simply explained why sufficient
evidence supported the gang enhancement. The high court relied on evidence
demonstrating common gang membership and the apparatus of the gang in committing
the offenses as factors showing substantial evidence, but did not require those factors in
every case.
Even if the court should have instructed the jurors that “in association with the
gang” means defendants rely on their common gang membership and the apparatus of the
gang in committing the offense, the only reasonable conclusion in this case is that
defendants acted in association with the gang. Defendants were self-admitted members
of the 135 Piru gang. At the relevant time, the 135 Piru gang was at war with the B13
gang. Together Simpson and Prothro committed a shooting at a rival gang member’s
house. Simpson then bragged about killing Llanos. Prothro reported that his “homies”
“put . . . down” the Hispanic persons who had chased him. We reject defendants’
argument.
B. Defendants Demonstrate No Other Instructional Error
Prothro argues the following instruction was erroneous: “You may consider
evidence of gang activity only for the limited purpose of deciding whether: [¶] The
defendant acted with the intent, purpose, and knowledge that are required to prove the
gang-related crimes and enhancements charged; OR [¶] The defendant had a motive to
commit the crimes charged. [¶] You may also consider this evidence when you evaluate
the credibility or believability of a witness and when you consider the facts and
information relied on by an expert witness in reaching his or her opinion. [¶] You may
not consider this evidence for any other purpose. You may not conclude from this
evidence that the defendant is a person of bad character or that he has a disposition to
23
commit crime.” Prothro failed to request any modification to the instruction, fails to
show it is erroneous, and fails to show prejudice. Although Simpson purports to join in
the argument he demonstrates no error and identifies no prejudice.
Finally, Prothro also challenges the standard instruction on expert witness
testimony. He argues that under the instruction, jurors could consider the hearsay and
anecdotes of the gang expert.6 Simpson joins in these challenges to the court’s
instructions. But, neither Prothro nor Simpson identify specific hearsay testimony or
anecdotes they contend the jurors should not have been allowed to consider. Neither
demonstrates error in the instruction, a deprivation of due process, or prejudice from the
instruction, which was not challenged in the trial court. Even assuming that defendants
demonstrated error, they demonstrated no prejudice under any standard.
IX. Prothro’s Sentence (Prothro)
Prothro argues the firearm enhancement on the attempted murder count must be
reversed because it was neither alleged, nor presented to the jury for a finding.
The People agree, as do we. A gun enhancement pursuant to section 12022.53,
subdivisions (d) and (e)(1) was not alleged or sought at trial as to the attempted murder
count. In addition, Gutierrez did not suffer death or great bodily injury. The trial court
6 The expert witness testimony instruction (CALCRIM No. 332) provides:
“Witnesses were allowed to testify as experts and to give opinions. You must consider
the opinions, but you are not required to accept them as true or correct. The meaning and
importance of any opinion are for you to decide. In evaluating the believability of an
expert witness, follow the instructions about the believability of witnesses generally. In
addition, consider the expert’s knowledge, skill, experience, training, and education, the
reasons the expert gave for any opinion, and the facts or information on which the expert
relied in reaching that opinion. You must decide whether information on which the
expert relied was true and accurate. You may disregard any opinion that you find
unbelievable, unreasonable, or unsupported by the evidence. [¶] An expert witness may
be asked a hypothetical question. A hypothetical question asks the witness to assume
certain facts are true and to give an opinion based on the assumed facts. It is up to you to
decide whether an assumed fact has been proved. If you conclude that an assumed fact is
not true, consider the effect of the expert’s reliance on that fact in evaluating the expert’s
opinion.”
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had no authority to impose the enhancement at sentencing. (People v. Botello (2010) 183
Cal. App. 4th 1014, 1026-1029.) Prothro’s sentence must therefore be reduced by 25 years
to life. However, as the People point out, the trial court imposed a seven-years-to-life
sentence on the attempted premeditated murder count, which was unauthorized.
Pursuant to section 186.22, subdivision (b)(5), the trial court should have imposed a
sentence of life with a minimum of 15 years. (People v. Campos (2011) 196 Cal. App. 4th
438, 447-454.)
X. Simpson’s Sentence (Simpson)
Simpson argues his sentence of 15 years to life for attempted murder is
unauthorized. He also contends the court improperly sentenced him under section
12022.53, subdivision (d), when he was charged under section 12022.53, subdivision (c).
We agree with the latter contention only.
Although the sentence for attempted murder with deliberation and premeditation
generally is life with the possibility of parole, in this case Simpson also was convicted of
the gang enhancement under section 186.22, subdivision (b)(5). That enhancement set a
minimum parole eligibility date of 15 years. Therefore, the trial court correctly sentenced
Simpson to 15 years to life.
The court however erred in sentencing Simpson to an uncharged enhancement.
As respondent acknowledges, Simpson’s sentence must be corrected to reflect the
enhancement for which Simpson was charged and convicted. Section 12022.53,
subdivision(c) provides: “Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any person who,
in the commission of a [specified] felony . . . personally and intentionally discharges a
firearm, shall be punished by an additional and consecutive term of imprisonment in the
state prison for 20 years.” Under this statue, Simpson should have been sentenced to
20 years.
XI. Cumulative Error (Prothro and Simpson)
Defendants argue that cumulative error requires reversal. Having reviewed the
entire record, we find no cumulative error requiring reversal.
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DISPOSITION
With respect to Simpson, the judgment is modified to reflect a 20-year sentence on
Count 2 (attempted murder) for the section 12022.53, subdivision (c) enhancement.
With respect to Prothro, the judgment is modified to reflect a 15 years to life sentence on
Count 2 (attempted murder). The clerk of the trial court is directed to prepare amended
abstracts of judgment reflecting these modifications and send certified copies to the
Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. In all other respects, the judgment is
affirmed.
BIGELOW, P. J.
We concur:
FLIER, J.
GRIMES, J.
26