Hickman

I.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL

BACKGROUND

In early 2016, based on the February 2014 killing of Chadwick Brice, an information was filed charging Hickman with felony counts of murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm. It was also alleged as to the murder that Hickman personally and intentionally discharged a firearm causing death, personally and intentionally discharged a firearm, and personally used a firearm. 2 The record contains little information about the underlying facts. Three years later, on February 28, 2019, an amended information was filed that added a felony count of voluntary manslaughter “upon a sudden

2 The charges were brought under sections 187, subdivision (a)

(murder), and 29800, subdivision (a)(1) (firearm possession). The firearm enhancements were alleged under section 12022.53, subdivisions (b) through (d). The information also alleged that Hickman served a prior prison term under former section 667.5, subdivision (b).

2 quarrel and heat of passion.” It was also alleged that Hickman personally used a firearm during this crime. 3 The same day, under a plea agreement, he pled no contest to voluntary manslaughter and admitted the personal-use…